1.2 The Role of the Veterinarian in Mating and Insemination of the Mares

What is artificial insemination?

The introduction of semen into the vagina with methods other than coitus.

What is the aim of artificial insemination?

Genetic and economic improvement.

How is semen collected for insemination?

Artificial vagina.

What is an artificial vagina?

An imitation of the vagina of the female animal. It consists of a strong outer rubber cylinder containing a thin inner latex liner, with an extension cone (glass tube) attached to the end in which ejaculate goes into.

How is the artificial vagina prepared?

The tube is heated with warm water to an optimal temperature of 38-40°C.

What is the procedure for collecting semen using an artificial vagina?

The stallion mounts a restrained mare or breeding dummy, the AV is placed on the penis, and the stallion is encouraged to thrust and ejaculate.

What is sperm analysis?

The examination of semen for macroscopic and microscopic characteristics.

What are the macroscopic characteristics of semen?

Volume, colour, odour.

What are the microscopic characteristics of semen?

Motility, concentration, number of alive vs dead, morphology.

Which type of horse is not allowed to be artificially inseminated or have embryo transfer?

Thoroughbred horses.

When are mares inseminated in an AI program?

Every other day, beginning on the second or third day of oestrus, until ovulation is detected or until the mare no longer exhibits signs of behavioral oestrus.

What is the goal of insemination in an AI program?

To inseminate each mare once within 48 hours before ovulation.

What is the typical volume of sperm used for insemination in mares?

10 to 30 mL.

What is the procedure for artificial insemination in mares?

• Preparation: prepare mare, wrap tail to the side, rinse perianal area.

• Sterile long-sleeve plastic glove on the inseminating hand. Use sterile non-spermicidal lubricant.

• Covered hand + insemination pipette inserted into vagina – index finger identifies and penetrates cervix.

• Insemination pipette is then advanced through the cervix to mid-body or to the uterus.

• A syringe with sperm is then attached to the pipette and semen is slowly deposited.

What are some pathologies of the ovaries?

Ovulation failure, haematoma and granulosa cell tumour.

What can affect the oestrus cycle?

Light.