Long-term storage is the natural extension of the freezing process. Once your stallion's genetic potential is stabilized, our role is to watch over this heritage with constant vigilance, both within our center and during future travels to insemination centers.
Cryopreservation under high surveillance
Semen storage takes place in liquid nitrogen tanks at a constant temperature of -196°C. At this temperature, cellular metabolism is completely suspended, allowing for conservation over several decades without loss of fertility.
Managing this stock requires daily technical attention. Liquid nitrogen evaporates naturally; we therefore ensure regular refilling of our tanks to maintain the critical safety level. Although nitrogen is a harmless gas (present at 78% in the air), its handling within our European approved center BF 10/01 meets strict safety standards to guarantee the integrity of your straws.
Traceability and health status integrity
Every sample entrusted to La Giguellerie is recorded in a permanent inventory. We record the identity of the stallion, the date of collection, the post-thaw quality, and, crucially, its health eligibility.
For semen to retain its right to circulate in Europe (INTRA) or internationally, it must strictly remain within the network of approved storage centers. Any straw that leaves this official network (for example, to be stored in an unapproved private tank) would instantly lose its export status. By remaining with us, your semen retains its full market value and its ability to travel with official certificates.
Transport logistics and transfer of responsibility
Semen distribution utilizes advanced technologies such as "Dry-Shipper" containers. These are designed to maintain extreme cold without free liquid nitrogen, thus complying with strict IATA and ICAO standards for air and road transport.
To enhance security, we equip many of our shipments with geo-trackers, allowing the progress of your doses to be followed in real-time. However, transport is a stage where the semen leaves our direct supervision to be entrusted to third-party logistics partners.
In accordance with our General Terms and Conditions, we specify two essential points for transparent collaboration:
- Limitation of liability during transport: As a collection center, we are not carriers. Logistic contingencies (customs delays, delivery delays, accidental damage to containers by the carrier) cannot engage our liability, as transport is no longer under our direct supervision.
- Storage risk management: Despite our experience and the rigor of our monitoring, cryogenic storage involves unpredictable residual risks (sudden failure of a tank, loss of vacuum seal, accelerated accidental evaporation). These rare but possible events can lead to the degradation or loss of straws.
Protecting the value of your semen
The storage cost we invoice covers technical maintenance and nitrogen supply, but it cannot include insurance for the intrinsic value of the semen, which varies greatly from one stallion to another.
This is why, in accordance with Article 5.4 of our GTC, we decline all liability in the event of damage to or loss of stored straws, beyond the provided contractual limits. As a matter of prudence, we strongly recommend that owners take out specific insurance with a third-party company to cover the market value of their stock and shipments. This protection is the best way to secure your genetic investment against unforeseen events.