breeding stallion

Breeding Success: Is Your Mare or Stallion Fit for Breeding?

The reality is not every mare or stallion is fit for breeding. A fertility evaluation is the first step when deciding if you should breed your mare or stallion, and could potentially save you financial and emotional stress. A breeding soundness examination is carried out by a veterinarian to determine the breeding potential of your mare or stallion, and flag any physiological issues that may hinder breeding success, such as musculoskeletal problems. Not only does a breeding soundness examination protect your mare or stallion from potential risks, but it also ensures your breeding stock is in good condition for the rigours of breeding and producing a live, healthy foal. What’s Involved The first step in a breeding soundness examination is a physical examination of your mare or stallion by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will check the horse’s history, and body condition and look for any signs of ill health. Diet, worming, vaccinations, dental, and hoof care should be up to date. The second step is an evaluation of the mare and stallion’s ability to reproduce successfully. For stallions, this will involve semen collection and testing to check sperm count, quality, and motility. For mares, this will involve an ultrasound of the reproductive tract. A breeding soundness examination also protects your mare or stallion from potentially passing on any sexually transmitted infections if they’re present. What’s Next If your mare or stallion is deemed fit for breeding, then you can start to consider your options and whether you intend to pursue live mating or insemination. If the outcome isn’t as successful as you hoped, then you may choose to breed another horse. The choice to breed, for any reason, should not be entered into lightly. With the high numbers of unwanted horses available, it’s important you carefully consider your reasons for producing a new foal and put the health and well-being of your breeding stock first at all times. Also Read: Preparing Your Stallion for Breeding Season Preparing Your Mare for Breeding Season

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Chilled Versus Frozen: Which Semen is Best for Your Mare?

When deciding between chilled and frozen semen, there are many things to consider, including the suitability of both mare and stallion, the cost, the location of the stallion in relation to your mare, and the success rate of your chosen veterinarian. If the stallion you’ve chosen is located more than 24 hours away by plane, the decision to use frozen semen is made for you. While, typically, chilled semen has a higher success rate, the importance of quality genetics from an international stallion may be a better option for your breeding program. However, if you’re still deciding between chilled or frozen, here’s what you should consider… Mare and Stallion Suitability Artificial insemination (AI) often represents a higher cost than live mating and requires a competent veterinarian who can successfully collect, handle and utilize the stallion’s semen. That being said, there are many benefits to AI. Foremost, is the ability to time insemination with ovulation. When considering AI, you first need to determine whether both stallion and mare are suitable. For the stallion, this involves: For the mare, this involves: Cost Most often, the use of frozen semen is more expensive than chilled semen. This is due to a number of reasons. Success rates with frozen semen can range from 0-70%, with the accepted international standard at only 70% for the first cycle. Frozen semen also has a very short life span, so the timing of the insemination procedure to your mare’s ovulation is critical to success. Often, mare owners will need to account for multiple attempts when using frozen semen. Your Veterinarian Last, and certainly not least, the success of using either chilled or frozen semen largely depends upon the skill of your veterinarian who is responsible for accurately predicting ovulation and managing the insemination procedure. The decision as to which veterinarian you use should be made carefully. At Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services, conception rates of over 85%  frozen semen have been achieved at our purpose-built breeding center.

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Preparing Your Stallion for Breeding Season

A stallion in prime physical condition and mentally prepared will ensure a successful outcome for your clients and your stud. In this article, we outline the steps you should take to prepare your stallion for breeding as the season approaches.  Maintaining your stallion’s health is paramount year-round. A well-balanced diet, adequate exercise, correct training, and routine vaccinations, dental and hoof care are all important in preparing your stallion for the rigours of breeding. In the final weeks before breeding begins, there are several steps you should take. Evaluate his condition  If your stallion isn’t in good health, then his ability to breed may be affected. Your stallion should be in a healthy body condition, with vaccinations up to date, well-maintained teeth, and sound hooves. Most stallions should be managed similarly to a performance horse in moderate to heavy work, with a high-fiber, low-starch diet to meet their nutritional and energy requirements. Check his semen quality Semen volume and quality are fundamental to successful breeding, and you may need to monitor this particularly closely for first-time stallions and those coming out of competition. Conducting a breeding soundness exam will help you identify any problems early. A high sperm count and strong libido are crucial from the start to the end of the season. Test his training Finally, you should ensure your stallion is familiar with the breeding routine, including live cover and artificial insemination, depending on your stud. Correct training throughout the year, reinforced ahead of breeding, will limit aggressive behavior and the formation of bad habits. Your staff should also receive training, so horse and handler remain safe. Also Read: Preparing Your Mare for Breeding Season Is Your Mare or Stallion Fit for Breeding?

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