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SPRING 2017 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
14
B R E E D I NG
Advantages of artificial
insemination
●
Mares may be bred to a stallion many
miles away, or even abroad, without the
need to transport them vast distances. This
may also be a consideration if there is a
foal at foot
(figure 1)
.
●
AI allows quality control of the semen.
Semen quality can vary significantly
between ejaculates from the same horse,
even from a very fertile stallion. The
ejaculate will be examined prior to
shipping/insemination and if it is noted
to be substandard, the collection may
be repeated.
●
By using frozen semen
(figure 2)
, mares
may be bred to stallions which are
currently competing.
●
Mares may be bred with frozen semen
from a stallion who has since died or been
castrated.
●
It is considerably safer for the mare, stallion
and the handlers.
Considerations of artificial
insemination:
●
A number of ultrasound scans may be
required to ensure the mare is inseminated
at the optimum time, thus increasing the
veterinary costs.
●
Shipment costs of semen, particularly if
importing from abroad.
●
There may be a temptation to ‘cut corners’
in screening for venereal transmissible
disease, e.g. contagious equine metritis
(CEM) and equine viral arteritis (EVA).
Contrary to popular belief, the causal
agents of these diseases survive in
transported semen and may be
inadvertently transmitted from stallions to
mares. Reputable stallion owners and AI
centres will adhere to the HBLB Code of
Practice which advises that stallions and
mares are tested to ensure they are free
of venereal disease before breeding
commences.
●
When using fresh or chilled semen, good
communication between the mare owner,
the stallion owner and the vet is essential.
Regularly updating the stallion owner of
the mare’s progress can aid planning to
ensure a collection at the optimum time.
It can be intensely frustrating and expensive
if the mare is ready for insemination but no
semen is available due to a communication
breakdown.
●
If ordering semen from abroad, many mare
owners choose to order semen through an
experienced agent. Importing semen can
be logistically difficult; communicating with
the stud, tracking couriers and ensuring the
semen is accompanied by original Health
Papers (a legal requirement) can be
stressful! An agent will deal with these
challenges and ensure that the process runs
smoothly. The veterinary surgeon can then
order semen directly through the agent at
the appropriate time.
Summary
Both natural cover and AI can produce
excellent conception rates in a well-
managed stud with fertile mares and
stallions. However, the choice for many
mare owners is governed by how their
preferred stallion is available for breeding
and his geographical location.
Figure 2. Using AI is safer for the mare, stallion
and handlers
Figure 1. Mares with a foal at foot may be
unable to travel long distances for breeding