Semen Collection and Evaluation Flashcards
what are the 4 common breeding schemes for horses?
- AI
- hand mating
- pasture mating
- corral mating
describe hand mating
prep the mare and hobble her by attaching cushioned straps so she can’t kick the stallion and then introduce the two to breed
describe pasture mating
more simulates the natural environment; one stallion in a pasture with multiple mares, but must watch them to see which mares were covered
describe corral mating
one mare, one stallion, in an enclosed area and left to their business
what has caused the popularity of AI in horses to increase recently?
- increased breeding/ejaculate thanks to semen extension methods
- safety for the stallion and handlers
- acceptance by more and more breed associations
why is cooled semen more popular than frozen semen in horses?
frozen semen only has a 30-40% success rate and some stallions freeze better than others (some stallions just don’t freeze well)
when is semen evaluation peformed?
collected twice early in the breeding season
what are the 6 REQUIREMENTS of a semen collection area?
- spacious
- clean
- free of distractions
- safe for both horses and handlers
- flooring surface with good traction
- minimize distance from collection area to lab
what qualifies as bad flooring surfaces for semen collection areas and why?
wet floor (no traction), shavings, gravel (stallions can paw and strike and sling dirt and gravel onto their nice washed penis/the poor mare’s vulva)
can you use an outdoor area to breed? what must you be careful of?
yes but limit distraction
what is another place that can be used for semen collection?
breeding sheds
why do you want to minimize the distance from the semen collection area to the lab?
want to process and chill/freeze sperm ASAP
what are the 3 methods of semen collection?
- condom
- pharmacological
- artifical vagina
what logistical issues are posed by using condoms for semen collection?
put on - dangerous
take off = can lose semen
describe pharmacological method of semen collection and why it is used
give drugs to cause ejaculation; this is used if a horse has great genetics and performance but has been injured and cannot stand on his hind legs for collection
what is the most popular method of semen collection?
artificial vagina
what are the 2 types of artificial vaginas used? describe
- missouri: most popular
- colorado: sturdy, but heavier at 25lbs
describe an artificial vagina (2)
- fitted with a water jacket that can modify the internal diameter to modulate pressure to simulate entering the mare repro tract and allows for control of internal temp (44-48C)
- lubricant (NON SPERMICIDAL) added to innermost liner that the stallion is in contact with
what kind of lubricant is commonly used with artificial vagina
HR lubricating jelly