Minitube SDM 1 Photometer for Boar Sperm Concentration

The Minitube SDM 1 Photometer is a compact and highly precise instrument developed for rapid determination of sperm concentration in animal semen. In pig artificial insemination laboratories, it is widely used for measuring the concentration of freshly collected boar semen before dilution and semen-dose preparation.

Unlike traditional manual counting methods, the SDM 1 uses photometric measurement technology to provide a fast digital concentration result. Native semen samples can be measured without preliminary dilution, simplifying the laboratory workflow and reducing the number of handling steps required before semen processing.

The instrument automatically performs multiple readings of each sample and calculates an average result to improve measurement consistency. Automatic calibration during each measurement further simplifies routine operation and helps maintain reliable testing performance.

With its compact housing, LED light source, dedicated microcuvette holder and simple digital display, the SDM 1 is suitable for commercial boar studs, pig genetics centers, semen processing laboratories and veterinary reproduction facilities.

The SDM 1 features a compact laboratory housing with an integrated digital display, covered optical measuring chamber and dedicated microcuvette holder. The cuvette is securely positioned in the optical path to help provide repeatable measurements.

Its compact benchtop design allows convenient installation beside semen collection, evaluation and dilution equipment in commercial pig artificial insemination laboratories.

• Professional Sperm Concentration Measurement: Designed specifically for rapid photometric determination of sperm concentration in animal semen.
• Suitable for Boar Semen: Can be configured for porcine semen analysis and used in commercial pig artificial insemination laboratories.
• No Preliminary Sample Dilution: Native semen samples can be measured directly, simplifying the testing workflow.
• Automatic Multiple Readings: Each sample is measured several times automatically and the readings are averaged to improve result consistency.
• Automatic Calibration: Calibration is performed automatically during each sample measurement.
• Stable LED Light Source: LED illumination provides stable optical output and reduces the need for frequent manual recalibration.
• 546 nm Optical Filter: Designed for photometric turbidity measurement of semen samples.
• Digital Concentration Display: Results are displayed directly in million sperm cells per milliliter.
• Secure Microcuvette Positioning: The dedicated holder keeps the cuvette correctly positioned during measurement.
• Fast Laboratory Workflow: Provides concentration results rapidly without manual sperm counting using a microscope chamber.
• Easy Cleaning: The measuring area can be accessed easily for routine cleaning after semen analysis.
• Low Maintenance Requirements: Simple optical and mechanical design helps minimize routine maintenance.
• Portable Power Options: Can operate using the supplied mains adapter or batteries.
• Multispecies Capability: Depending on software and calibration configuration, the SDM 1 can be used for porcine, bovine, equine, canine, caprine and ovine semen.

• The SDM 1 determines sperm concentration by measuring the optical density or turbidity of a semen sample. A defined amount of native semen is placed into the dedicated microcuvette and inserted into the measuring position.
• The internal LED light source passes light through the semen sample. Suspended sperm cells absorb and scatter part of the light, and the optical detection system measures the resulting change in light transmission.
• The instrument converts the measured optical signal using its species-specific calibration data. For porcine applications, the resulting value is displayed directly as sperm concentration in million sperm cells per milliliter.
• During a measurement cycle, several readings of the sample are performed automatically and averaged. This helps reduce the influence of small variations in the sample and provides a more consistent final concentration result.
• The measured sperm concentration can then be used together with ejaculate volume, sperm-quality evaluation and the target sperm count per dose to calculate semen extender requirements and the potential number of insemination doses.

Technical specifications and calibration options may vary according to model version, production year and selected species configuration. Please confirm the final configuration before ordering.

• Boar sperm concentration measurement
• Fresh boar semen quality evaluation
• Pre-dilution semen analysis
• Semen extender volume calculation support
• Artificial insemination dose preparation
• Boar ejaculate quality control
• Commercial boar studs
• Pig artificial insemination centers
• Pig genetics and breeding companies
• Veterinary reproduction laboratories
• Animal breeding research institutes
• Universities and reproductive biology laboratories

• Place the SDM 1 on a stable, clean and level laboratory workbench.
• Keep the instrument away from excessive vibration, direct sunlight, high humidity and strong temperature fluctuations.
• Connect the supplied power adapter or install the specified batteries before operation.
• Select or confirm the correct species calibration before measuring semen samples.
• Use only clean and compatible SDM 1 microcuvettes for routine measurements.
• Fill the microcuvette according to the recommended sample-handling procedure and avoid introducing air bubbles.
• Insert the cuvette securely into the designated measuring position before starting analysis.
• Keep the optical measuring chamber clean to prevent semen residue, dust or fingerprints from affecting light transmission.
• Clean spilled semen immediately using appropriate laboratory cleaning procedures.
• Lift the cuvette-holder cover and carefully wipe the accessible measuring area when cleaning is required.
• Do not use abrasive materials or aggressive chemicals on optical components.
• Store unused microcuvettes in a clean and dry environment to avoid contamination.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for software updates, calibration configuration and technical servicing.

Q: What is the Minitube SDM 1 used for?
A: The SDM 1 is a photometer designed to measure sperm concentration. In pig breeding laboratories, it is mainly used to determine the concentration of freshly collected boar semen before dilution and AI dose preparation.

Q: Does boar semen need to be diluted before measurement?
A: No. One of the main advantages of the SDM 1 is that native semen can be measured without preliminary dilution under the standard operating procedure.

Q: How is the sperm concentration displayed?
A: The instrument displays the concentration directly in million sperm cells per milliliter.

Q: Does the SDM 1 automatically calibrate?
A: Yes. Calibration is performed automatically during each sample measurement, simplifying routine laboratory operation.

Q: Why does the instrument perform multiple readings?
A: Multiple readings of each sample are automatically taken and averaged to help provide a consistent final concentration result.

Q: What type of cuvette is required?
A: The SDM 1 uses dedicated disposable microcuvettes designed for correct positioning and standardized optical measurement.

Q: What light source does the instrument use?
A: It uses a stable LED light source, which helps reduce the need for frequent manual recalibration.

Q: Can the SDM 1 be used without mains electricity?
A: Yes. The unit can operate with batteries in addition to the supplied mains power adapter, making it suitable for flexible laboratory use.

Q: Can the instrument be used for species other than pigs?
A: Depending on the selected calibration and software configuration, the SDM 1 can support several domestic animal species, including porcine, bovine, equine, canine, caprine and ovine semen.

Q: Does the SDM 1 evaluate sperm motility?
A: No. The SDM 1 is primarily designed to measure sperm concentration. Sperm motility and morphology should be evaluated with a microscope, CASA system or other compatible semen analysis equipment.

Q: Can the result be used for semen dose preparation?
A: Yes. Sperm concentration is an important parameter for determining dilution requirements and the potential number of insemination doses when combined with ejaculate volume, sperm quality and the target sperm count per dose.

Q: Is the SDM 1 suitable for commercial pig AI centers?
A: Yes. Its compact size, rapid measurement process, automatic calibration and direct testing of native semen make it suitable for routine use in commercial boar studs and pig artificial insemination laboratories.