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 12 hours (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 four vets experienced in AI (Ed Annand, Jonathan Withers, Sarah Walker and Richard Stephenson,) and a qualified AI Technician (Mrs Jackie Cook, Yard Manager).
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 Ed or Jonathan on 07854 258104 or 07966 649414. We also have a dedicated stud receptionist, Mrs Eloise Hayes, who can answer many of your questions on 01283 799700. 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.
Individual arrangements can be arranged for those mares that are unable to travel to the clinic, although additional travel costs will apply, and it is unavailable for use of frozen semen.
Despite every effort you should be aware that some mares do not go in foal.
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