I’m new to the breeding and AI world as a stallion owner (just stood my guy for the first time this year), but have worked on breeding farms for 20+ years. I have always seen AV’s stored in a cool place on it’s hanger. My stallion manager where I keep my boy suggested I store it in the freezer??? She says it helps preserve the rubber…I just bought the thing a few months ago and don’t want to destroy it by doing the wrong thing as they are pricey. However, I have seen AV’s spring leaks so maybe the freezing thing does keep it from degrading? I’m at a loss. It sounded like a funky sugestion, but she’s been managing stallions for years. I’ve just never seen it done at any of the farms I worked at. Maybe that’s why they sprung leaks? Any suggestions on how to care/store an AV would be appreciated.
No. Freezing the latex will break it down more quickly. Do NOT store it in the freezer.
I just bought the thing a few months ago and don’t want to destroy it by doing the wrong thing as they are pricey. However, I have seen AV’s spring leaks so maybe the freezing thing does keep it from degrading? I’m at a loss. It sounded like a funky sugestion, but she’s been managing stallions for years. I’ve just never seen it done at any of the farms I worked at. Maybe that’s why they sprung leaks? Any suggestions on how to care/store an AV would be appreciated.
From what you are describing, I’m assuming you have a Missouri AV. The best thing you can do is fill the bladder (the area that the water goes) with enough air to keep the sides from making contact with each other. I will slide a paper towel inside the lumen (the area where the stallion’s penis goes) to keep the sides from coming in contact with each other. And hang it in a cool, DRY place. With Colorado or French AV’s that have bladders that will come out, we will dismantle them at the end of breeding season, dry the bladder thoroughly, again slide a paper towel down the center of the bladder, dust the whole thing thoroughly with cornstarch, and store them flat in a cool dry area.
The latex “will” break down and it is one of the major drawbacks of the Missouri as the bladder is essentially the entire AV. So, if it breaks, you are obligated to purchase a whole new bladder to the tune of $200 plus bucks. With the Colorado and the French, you can simply replace the bladder for around $50. But keeping the things cool and dry during the off season will help prolong the life of the thing.
Good luck!
Kathy, as usual you are an irreplaceable source of information. We all thank you! 
Thank you , Thank you so much!!! I thought the freezer was a bad idea. I really appreciate the advice. I didn’t know about filling it with air slightly either so will do that as well. Have always seen others hang them in a dry place, so that is what I will do. Thanks so much.
Another thing that I have found that helps prevent the latex from breaking down is after cleaning give it a final rinse with distilled water. I am on well water which can be hard.
