If you’re planning to bring your stallion to stud for semen collection and freezing, this article is for you. Written by reproduction expert, Chris Shepherd BVSc MRCVS, from B&W Equine Vets, it breaks down the complex process of spermatogenesis and offers practical advice on how to prepare your stallion for a stud visit. With the right management, you can improve the quality and quantity of the semen collected, and be achieve optimal results.
Understanding Spermatogenesis
The advantages of using and marketing stallions through frozen semen are well recognised. Attention to the management of a stallion prior to going to a collection centre can help maximise the quality and number of insemination doses that are produced during the stay.
The stallion manufactures spermatozoa by a process called spermatogenesis. Stem type cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles undergo a series of divisions to produce the unique shape and characteristics of a sperm cell or spermatozoa. The duration of spermatogenesis is 57 days in the horse.
The number of spermatozoa that a stallion will produce at collection is, to a large extent, dependent on the size of his testicles. His predicted daily sperm output can be calculated by measuring the volume of his testicles. The size of his testicles is genetically determined.
Other factors and management practices discussed below can influence sperm output, but bear in mind that they need to be considered for at least the 57 days of spermatogenesis prior to the proposed collection period. Continue reading
A: (Chris Shepherd) We’re sometimes a little bit selective when we’re working with frozen semen or advising clients which mares to use. We try to avoid so-called ‘problem’ mares, who’ve had issues getting in foal in previous years. Although conception rates with frozen semen are equally as good as chilled, if not better (and the statistics confirm that), we have to admit that there are various reasons why, for problem mares, it can be more useful to use fresh semen (i.e. semen collected and inseminated into the mare within an hour or two). So, as far as our selection goes for suitable candidates for frozen semen, mares of an appropriate age and with an appropriate breeding history is really what we’re looking for.