CHILLED SEMEN - EQUINE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

CHILLED SEMEN.

CHILLED SEMEN can be stored for up to seventy-two hours but should be used as soon as possible after collection (preferably within 24 hours). Unfortunately it is not possible to predict how well a stallions semen will chill until a chilled sample can be evaluated. The success of chilled semen transport rests very heavily with the veterinarian attending the stallion and performing the collection and ensuring the semen is correctly packaged and transported to the recipient mares. It will be necessary for the receiving veterinarian to predict the time of ovulation at least 48 hours in advance so that the semen can be collected and transported to the recipient mares. It is then important that the mares be inseminated as close to ovulation as possible and as soon after semen collection as possible. If all goes according to plan, a conception rate as high as 70% per cycle can be achieved.

An in-season mare will be required for collection of the semen. The stallion is mounted on the mare and the penis diverted in to an artificial vagina for semen collection. Most stallions tolerate the procedure quite well.

The semen is evaluated and diluted with semen extender. The extender will help prolong the life of the semen.

The extended semen is then transported in an equitainer (similar to a vaccine flask) or salter box (styrofoam) which will gradually reduce the semen temperature to 4 - 5 c during the trip. The recipient mares should be inseminated as soon as possible after the arrival of the chilled semen. Your veterinarian may decide to divide the ejaculate and inseminate several mares from the same collection but should aim to inseminate a minimum of one billion live progressively motile sperm into each mare. Depending on the ejaculate and the stallion, up to 5 mares may be inseminated from a single ejaculate.

CHILLED SEMEN COSTS

Individual arrangements must be made between the stallion and mare owners regarding payment of costs. Most stallion owners quote a service fee, which is paid on a 45 day positive pregnancy test. This service fee will sometimes include the costs of semen collection and transport. Some stallion owners may choose to limit the number of collections to three (3) to guard against inadequate management/veterinary procedures with the recipient mares.

Semen collection will usually cost anywhere between $120.00 and $250.00. Make sure you get a quote, which includes this costing. An equitainer will cost up to $800.00 but may be hired from the veterinarian. Strobe boxes are suitable for short term storage and cost approximately $30.00.

As with most such procedures, the biggest cost will frequently be with synchronising and follicle testing the recipient mares so that the mares can be inseminated at the optimum time.

The success or failure of the procedure will depend heavily on

1. The stallions fertility and how well his semen chills.
2. The mare management and fertility.
3. The skills of the veterinarian attending the recipient mares.

I strongly believe that we are only experiencing the 'tip of the iceberg' with transported semen and that the next ten (10) years will see a revolution in horse breeding world wide. I expect the use of transported chilled and frozen semen to escalate beyond our imagination; not only with Quarter Horses, Stock Horses, Warmbloods but with all breeds.

If successful, transported semen will benefit all areas of the industry. Chilled Semen will allow Australian breeders to bring the best stallions in the world to this country and expect a return on their investment. The only things which will ruin it for all of us is poor quality of service by veterinarians and stallion owners; over pricing; and poor quality transported semen.

More information regarding the individual requirements of your mare/s can be obtained from the veterinarians or office staff. We encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have. For more information on the services we provide please phone the office on 0746910322.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do I work out when my mare is due to foal?
We follow a tried and true method as follows -

What is the date of service or artificial insemination?
From the date of service add 11 months and 10 days.
This is your due date

EXAMPLE:
Mare serviced on the 24th October 2000
Add 11 months = 24th September 2001
Add 10 days = 4th October 2001
Mare is due to foal on the 4th October 2001!

Should we Breed the mare on the foal heat?
Foal heat will usually occur 6 - 10 days after foaling.
It is possible to breed at this time.
We at the Equine Breeding Centre recommend you let your mare pass through the foal heat before attempting to breed her. At the time of foal heat, the mares fertility is not always at optimum levels and chances of pregnancy are not as high. This is entirely your choice and if you choose to breed at foal heat we will do our very best to achieve a pregnancy, however we personally recommend you wait until the next cycle.

What is the normal cycling pattern of a mare?
Each mare is different and there is no standard 'normal cycle'. On average most mares will cycle over a 21day period. When they come on it will usually last for 3 to 4 days. Ovulation usually occurs on either day 3 or 4. Cycle patterns can vary so you must allow for each mare to experience a different pattern.

Should your mare foal down at the Equine Breeding Centre?
If your mare has experienced difficulties during birth in a previous year, or if she has a medical condition that you are concerned about, you may need to discuss foaling down assistance. Most mares that foal down at the Equine Breeding Centre are free of complications although sometimes veterinary help is necessary. There are two levels of veterinary care they can receive. If your mare has no difficulties giving birth it will be seen as a standard foal down. If she requires Veterinary care and has complications where the vet has to assist in the birth itself, it will be seen as a foal down and dystocia.

What does it cost to Foal Down at the Equine Breeding Centre?
All mares 'foaling down' will be required to have individual agistment. This is for the safety of your mare and foal and is not negotiable. A standard 'foal down' (where no veterinary intervention is required) is charged at a flat fee inclusive of GST. When the vet has to assist with the foaling (if your mare requires assistance to give birth) it is charged out as a 'foal down and dystocia' at a higher charge including GST. Any other drugs or medical treatment are charged separately to your account. The foaling down fees do not include agistment, medication or other medical procedures.

My mare is heavily in foal. When is it safe to travel her?
We recommend not to travel your mare any time before she is three weeks due to foal. On occasion, travelling a mare can induce the birth of the foal. If this is going to happen, it is best that she is no earlier than three weeks. If you are going to bring her to the EBC to 'foal down' please do so as close as possible to her expected time of birth, but no earlier than three weeks.