ONLINE ARTICLES Cross-Border Breeding Courier Considerations: Why it's better to ship semen during the week and other little-known nuances of courier companies that will help you get your package to you on time. - Tracey Patterson It is important to know how the transportation of the semen will work, because there is a very narrow window of time between when the mare is deemed "ready", and when the semen must be collected, shipped, and arrive at your door. Typically, cooled semen is fertile for only 48 hours after collection. However, this is the average, and some may be longer or shorter than this time period. Therefore, the marešs ovulation must be predicted, and the semen ordered based on the stallionšs breeding schedule and the requirements of the courier. To be successful, the semen must be in the mare "prior" to ovulating, or "no more" that six hours post-ovulation. Synthetic hormones can be used to help bring on ovulation and thus help with the timing of the shipment. Once you know who is handling the process, and are aware of the costs involved, a courier/transport company must be decided upon. Federal Express has become a popular choice because it is faster than other couriers, and time is of the essence when shipping semen. Whatever courier company you decide on, consider the following points to keep your shipment safe, on-track and on-time. • Most courier companies provide a door-to-door delivery service; however, they need a civic address, land location, or directions to your farm (no box numbers). This must be arranged between yourself and the shipper (stallion owner), so that the correct information is on the container. The shipment may be delivered the following morning, afternoon, or even the second day after you have requested the semen, depending on how far you are from the courier depot. Because of the short shelf life of cooled semen, make sure that you will be receiving the delivery in time (two day delivery is too late!). It is important to note that some areas donšt offer this delivery service. • You can also provide a civic address of a business or person in a nearby town that you have arranged to pick up the shipment from, and the courier can deliver to that address, provided it is along it's route. • When you are having semen delivered, it is important to have the courier's phone number and a tracking number to track the package if necessary. • You may decide to pick up the shipment from the courier depot. Again, make sure that you are aware of the hours of the depot, and when packages arrive. • Do not order semen on Saturday or Sunday, because you will not be able to pick up the shipment until Tuesday. There are no deliveries to rural areas on Saturdays, but a main depot may be open so that you can order semen on Friday and pick it up on Saturday. Remember, check with the depot nearest you to make sure of their hours and schedule before ordering the semen. It is better to have the semen shipped during the week, and arriving on a week day, because not only are there more options with the courier company, but there are also more people working at Customs on week days. • Be aware of the statutory holidays in the United States as they can interfere with the shipment process. __