What is Artificial Insemination (AI)?
AI is now a very common and viable alternative to natural breeding. It is a technique which is carried out by trained vets or AI technicians, using fresh, chilled or frozen semen. There are extensive benefits, including:
- Massive increase in range of stallions available, increasing the gene pool.
- Eliminates the cost and stress of transporting mare and foal to stud.
- Reduction of possible injury to stallion or mare.
- Stallions may continue to be used for breeding whilst performing or recovering from injury.
- Semen can be transported internationally and stored indefinitely (frozen only).
- Reduction of possible disease transmission.
- Can assist with breeding the 'problem breeder' mare.
What are the disadvantages of using AI?
Fresh semen remains viable in the uterus for 3 to 5 days, whereas chilled semen remains viable for up to 36 hours and frozen only lasts up to 12hours (or some less than 6 hours). Timing of insemination is therefore critical and pregnancy rate is highly dependant on the ability to freeze and thaw semen from individual stallions without compromising its fertility. For this reason some stallions will not be suitable for producing frozen or chilled semen.
Other disadvantages include:
- Added cost of collecting, chilling/freezing, transportation and insemination.
- Skilled and experienced centres mandatory to optimise pregnancy rates.
- High veterinary input required.
- More than one cycle may be necessary for mare to become pregnant, resulting in owner frustration.
At the Pool House Equine AI Centre we have two vets experienced in AI (Miss Noelle Lowry, head of the fertility unit and Mr Richard Stephenson, partner) and a qualified AI technician (Mrs Jackie Cooke, head groom) . In addition, for the 2008 season we have an Australian stud vet joining our ranks, Dr Catherine Brown, who will also assist with Embryo Transfer. We have an "AI Package" which covers many of the costs for successful AI for your mare.
We hope to maintain the high conception rates that we have established over the last few years in both chilled and frozen AI.
What is included in the package?
- All routine scans including:
Pre-insemination, this is essential for the optimal timing of insemination.
Post-insemination, this is required to check for correct time of ovulation and the presence of inflammation/ infection which would decrease the fertility rate.
Pregnancy scans, recommended at 14, 28 and 45 days post-ovulation, or if twin ovulation, extra scans at 16 and 18 days to check for the presence of twins.
- Routine treatment including:
Ovulation-induction agents, ie chorulon and including one ovuplant.
Routine antibiotic treatment for uterine infections.
Oxytocin to help minimise post-insemination uterine fluid.
- Swabbing procedures to investigate infertility but not external lab fees.
- Minor gynecological surgical procedures e.g. Caslicks.
- Sedation on up to 3 occasions, if necessary.
- Up to 7 days livery at the Equine Clinic for ease of optimal management. This livery can be split up between cycles, it is seldom necessary to have the mare at the clinic for 7 full days during one cycle.
- All treatments and scans to be carried out at Crown Inn Farm. Alternative arrangements can be made but there will be an additional visit charge.
- Up to two attempts at successive cycles.
- All paperwork and certification.
- Storage of frozen semen, handling and ordering of chilled semen.
- Extra charges will be made for:
- Any visits.
- 3rd and subsequent cycles.
- External laboratory fees.
- Livery beyond the 7 days included within the package (separate table of charges available).
- Mares requiring more than 3 sedations for safe handling.
Is my mare suitable for breeding/AI?
- Optimal age between 3-12 years, although it is possible to breed from very mature 2 year olds, and although fertility rates may be reduced, it is possible to breed from much older mares too.
- Reproductive conformation; poor conformation will decrease conception rates.
- Temperament is very important as it is a highly heritable trait.
- It is important to let us know of any breeding history available about the mare as this will help with increasing the conception rate.
Choice of stallion and decision between frozen and chilled semen can be discussed with Noelle on 01283799700 or 07966649410. We also have a dedicated stud receptionist, Mrs Eloise Hayes, who can answer many of your questions on 01283799700. We are here to make the experience as easy for you as possible.
Success will depend greatly on communication between you, your stud vet and the semen supplier.
It is your responsibility to make arrangements with the semen supplier regarding stud fee and transport costs of semen. The semen is only ordered by the stud vet at the correct time, so the details of the stallion and the semen supplier must be made clear to us on admission to the clinic. It is best for the semen to be sent to our clinic at Crown Inn Farm.
What is the cost of the AI Package?
Use of fresh/chilled semen £340 + vat
Use of frozen semen £365 + vat.
A £30 discount will be given for packages paid before commencing work.
Equine Services
