1. Preface
Bull semen analysis is one of the parameters used to assess bull fertility and conception rate in the female served. A robust quality system (QS) to analyse bull semen is strategic for Artificial Insemination (AI) organisations to provide a qualified product to the breeders and farmers. Furthermore, also the instrument manufacturers need QS to evaluate their products and different calibration settings.
To analyse bull semen, computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry are largely used alongside the microscope method. Nowadays, there is no international standard method for bull semen analyses, consequently the criteria and performance of these tests have not been established. For this reason, it is necessary to collect data on the methods used and to provide tools for their analytical quality control.
ICAR as neutral organization (not involved in semen production business) has developed a new service of proficiency testing on bull semen matrix (PT BS) in order to:
- Assess the analytical comparability for different parameters between the different users
- Provide each participant with feedback on their own objective performance and a robust tool for quality control over time.
2. Subscription
To participate to the BUll Semen Proficiency Test, please contact Silvia Orlandini <silvia@icar.org>
3. Bull Semen Proficiency Test Information
More detailed information are available here
4. ICAR PT Subscription and payment
In case you do not have an ICAR PT account please register here
The subscription has to be completed two weeks before the sample shipment that is scheduled as it follows:
- November-December 2024
ICAR will invoice your laboratory; it has to be paid according to the deadline contained in the invoice.
Instructions on the use of the PT platform can be downloaded here
| Participatory fee | 1st set of sample | Shipment costs* | |
| ICAR Member | 180€ | 260€ | Real |
| Non-ICAR Member | 260€ | 260€ | Real |
NOTE
*The sample will be prepared and shipped from the Netherlands. In order to minimise shipping costs, a distribution centre will be selected within your country
5. Results
Please upload your results to the ICAR PT platform. Excel file is no more accepted.
6. Statistical treatment
The statistical treatment will be done according to ISO 17043.
The ICAR report scheme has been simplified by the ICAR Milk Analysis Sub-Committee and includes a full overview/explanation of the ICAR population.
All the data will be treated anonymously and a tight confidentiality commitment is guaranteed.
The ICAR Secretariat will contact you as soon as the reports are available on the ICAR Bull Semen PT platform
7. Contacts
For any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact ICAR secretariat:
- Silvia Orlandini email silvia@icar.org
- Cesare Mosconi email mosconi@icar.org
8. Recorded webinar
The webinars for presenting the Bull Semen Proficiency Test
In order to present the ICAR Bull Semen Proficiency Test, a series of webinars have been organised and a specific page was produced containng the video of a webinar (available here)