Where permissible and transported semen is available, Artificial Insemination (AI) should be considered for breeding mares because of the many advantages it offers.
Your mare does not have to be sent away to stud to be mated (particularly appealing if she has a foal at foot), and the risk of exposure to infectious disease that can occur when horses are brought together on studs is eliminated. Overseas stallions, or stallions in areas difficult to get your mare to, can be used. The chances of injuries during mating are greatly reduced and AI is also a cleaner process than natural service, and can be beneficial in some ‘problem' mares.
Your vet will advise you on the best time to have your mare scanned to begin the AI process. Initially the mare will be given a full reproductive examination. The reproductive organs are checked and her cycle stage determined, allowing estimation of the likely time of ovulation. This allows semen to be ordered and insemination to occur at the optimum time. Once inseminated, the mare is rescanned to check for ovulation. Scans are then carried out at 16-18 days, 28 days and 42 days to confirm pregnancy. The reasons for scanning at these times are to: confirm pregnancy; check for twinning; and to monitor for early pregnancy loss, ensuring that re-breeding (if necessary) is not delayed.
The collection, preparation, transport and storage of semen is the responsibility of the stud that manages the stallion. Fresh, chilled or frozen semen will be used, depending on how quickly it can be transported to the mare. The method of collection, storage technique and individual stallion effect will determine the viability of the semen produced. Stallions vary in their fertility after different storage techniques. The stud can usually provide you with information on the fertility of the stallion.
Totally Vets offers an in-clinic equine artificial insemination service. Contact the Palmerston North branch for more information.
