FROZEN SEMEN - EQUINE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

FROZEN SEMEN.

Frozen semen can be stored indefinitely. We at the Equine Breeding Centre have recently used semen frozen over 20 years ago with excellent results. Unfortunately it is impossible to predict how well a stallions semen will freeze until a sample has been collected and frozen and a frozen sample evaluated. It is also impossible to predict how many straws can be frozen until the stallions semen is evaluated. A cumulation of results of the two evaluations (frozen and fresh) will determine how many straws will be required per mare per insemination.

The success or failure of the procedure again rests heavily on the skills of the veterinarian attending the recipient mares as it is essential that the mares be inseminated as close to ovulation as possible. While fresh semen may remain viable in the uterus for 3 to 5 days, frozen semen will remain viable for less than six hours so the timing of insemination is critical. If everything is goes well and semen quality is good conception rate of approximately 60% per cycle can be expected with good semen, conception rates higher than 75% per cycle have been achieved at the EBC. The internationally accepted conception rate is 30% per cycle.

FROZEN SEMEN PROCEDURE

An in season mare will be required for collection of the semen. The stallion is mounted on the mare and the penis is diverted into a artificial vagina for semen collection. Most stallions tolerate the procedure quite well. The collection is then evaluated and diluted with semen extender in preparation for freezing.

The frozen semen is stored in 0.5cc straws of semen in liquid nitrogen and must be transported to the recipient mares in a liquid nitrogen canister. Up to 100 straws may be prepared from a single collection. When the recipient mare is ready for insemination, the frozen semen is thawed out and inseminated. Most stallions will require 6-8 straws per insemination. The inseminator should aim to inseminate up to 1 billion live progressively motile sperm into each mare.

FROZEN SEMEN COSTS

Individual arrangements must be made between the stallion and mare owners regarding payment of costs. Most stallion owners quote a service fee payable on a 45-day positive pregnancy test. As the stallion owner is normally responsible for the costs of collecting and freezing the semen, many will feel they can limit the number of straws provided per mare and may charge a fee for use of the semen when a positive test is not achieved. This guards the stallion owner against deficiencies in the management and /or veterinary care of the recipient mares.

FREEZING SEMEN

Frozen semen collection kit from Wacol
Semen Freezing per collection frozen (approximately) this will occur once an initial sample has been assessed for freezing potential. Remember, not all Stallions will be able to have success with frozen semen . Hire or purchase of liquid nitrogen canister (for storage of semen, or transport of semen to storage depot)

Cost of storing frozen semen will vary depending on numbers and the facility - individual quotes will be required.

The average stallion should give 5 to 10 insemination doses per collection. Costs to the mare owner will include transport of the semen and artificial insemination and follicle testing of the mares. It is the latter cost which will frequently be the highest as some mares will require frequent palpation to achieve insemination at the point of ovulation. Other charges include drugs and agistment and shipping charges for semen. Drug charges can be significant.

Costs to the mare owner will include transport of the semen and artificial insemination and follicle testing of the mares. It is the latter cost which will frequently be the highest as some mares will require frequent palpation to achieve insemination at the point of ovulation. Other charges include drugs and agistment and shipping charges for semen. Drug charges can be significant.

The success or failure of the procedure will depend heavily on:

• The fertility of the stallion and the "freezability" of his semen.
• The management and fertility of the recipient mares.
• The skills of the veterinarian attending the recipient.

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 and Stock Horses but with all breeds. (Possibly including Thoroughbreds in the future). Last year, one of our Standardbred stallions covered five hundred and seventy (570) mares by artificial means, of which only approx four hundred (400) were 'on farm'.

If successful, transported semen will benefit all areas of the industry. Chilled and Frozen 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 if for all of us is poor quality of service by veterinarians and stallion owners; over pricing; and poor quality transported semen.

A deposit of is required per mare, upon arrival at the Equine Breeding Centre. The remainder of your account will be presented to you upon collection of your mare. All accounts should be finalised when you collect your mare from the Equine Breeding Centre. We also accept Bankcard, Mastercard and Visa card over the phone and in the office.

To make a booking please phone 07 4691 0322 during office hours. A map is also available to assist you in reaching the Equine Breeding Centre.

Transportation and Insurance (if required) of chilled or frozen semen is the responsibility of the stallion owner or stud. Wilson's Equine Veterinary Services is solely the receiver of the semen and all charges for transporting semen (including veterinary collection fees) are made directly to the mare owner by the stud or stallion owner, or their veterinarian. It is imperative a reliable courier service is used and all shipments have relevant consignment numbers recorded, so they can be used in the event of a problem with shipment. Timing is critical with both chilled and frozen semen and delays can be very costly. Wilson's Equine Veterinary Services can not accept any responsibility for delays in semen transport.

Once the breeding cycle of your mare is established she will be monitored closely and our veterinarians will directly order chilled semen from the stallion owner. A collection will then be done and the semen will be shipped for us to inseminate. Your mare will be inseminated at the optimum time for a possible conception.

Agistment is charged per day and charges vary depending on the level of accommodation required. Individual yards are available, as is stable accommodation.

Artificial Inseminations are charged per cycle at a contract rate. All required examinations prior to insemination are included in this rate (excluding medications).

A certain number of medical treatments will also be required pre and post insemination to ensure the highest chance of conception is obtained. These treatments will vary depending on the individual needs of your horse, however could include the following;

• Chorulon Injection
• Intra Uterine Antibiotic treatments
• Prostaglandins Oxytocin Injections
• Ovuplants (sometimes required with frozen semen)
• Progesterone Implants (CIDR'S).

A number of other services are also available while your horse is in our care. These include General Equine Health (Teeth, Worming, Vaccinations, Farrier Attendance and Grooming).

The time your mare will be required to stay at the Equine Breeding Centre will vary due to a number of factors. For example, her fertility and breeding potential, the success of the initial insemination and how many attempts you may be prepared to undergo to attempt to achieve a pregnancy. The earliest we can confirm a pregnancy is at 14 days. At this point your mare may be taken home.

More information regarding the individual requirements and costs for 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 07 4691 0322.

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.