There are 2 levels of quality control that can be performed. The first level is a fertilization capability check (in vitro). The second level is a developmental capability check to liveborn (in vivo).
To assess the viability of the frozen sperm, one straw will be thawed and sperm will be assessed according to the QC level chosen by the investigator.
We routinely thaw one straw of sperm and perform in vitro fertilization to the 2-cell stage as a quality control for no additional cost.
If requested and for additional cost we will perform in vivo quality control by implanting fertilized, 2-cell stage embryos into pseudopregnant females to produce live pups. Tail clips will be taken from the pups for DNA. Genotyping will be performed to confirm the gene of interest has been successfully cryopreserved.
