🐎8.14 Shadowing Equine Artificial Insemination at my barn
1. Preparation of Stallion and Mare
Selection of Breeding Stock:
Choose a high-quality stallion for semen collection, considering its genetic traits and reproductive history.
Select a receptive mare in estrus, confirmed via rectal palpation and ultrasound.
Restraint and Handling:
Position the mare in front of the stallion to stimulate natural breeding behavior.
Use appropriate restraints (e.g., hobbles, stocks) to prevent physical contact and potential injury.
A trained handler should control the stallion to prevent direct copulation.
2. Semen Collection
Mounting Arrangement:
Provide a phantom mount or designated mounting platform for the stallion.
Position a breeding dummy or a restrained teaser mare behind the phantom to further stimulate the stallion.
Semen Collection Process:
Use an artificial vagina (AV) (e.g., Missouri or Colorado AV) positioned between the stallion and the teaser mare.
Ensure the AV is preheated (≈45–50°C) and lubricated to simulate natural conditions.
As the stallion mounts, guide the penis into the AV to facilitate ejaculation.
Semen Handling Post-Collection:
Transfer the collected semen into a sterile collection tube immediately after ejaculation.
Assess semen quality, including motility, concentration, and morphology, to ensure viability.
3. Semen Processing and Storage
Dilution and Cryopreservation:
Dilute the semen with an appropriate extender solution to maintain sperm viability.
If necessary, perform centrifugation to concentrate sperm for higher-quality insemination doses.
Freeze semen using a liquid nitrogen (-196°C) storage system for long-term preservation.
Semen Viability Considerations:
Since the stallion is used for frequent collection, monitor sperm concentration and quality to prevent fertility decline.
Adjust collection frequency based on semen analysis results to maintain sperm viability.