Mobile Semen Freezing
Historical breeding of horses in Australia has always been about bringing the mare to the stallion and either allowing the mares to run as a group at the pasture with the stallion or hand serving. Hand serving refers to the controlled breeding practice of restraining the mare when in season and bringing the stallion on the lead i.e. “in hand” to the mare to control and observe the mating event.
Whilst paddock breeding may be very successful in terms of pregnancy rates for fertile and vigorous stallions there is a loss of control and an element of risk associated with mares and stallions running together. One of the most significant detriments to paddock breeding is the presence of a dominant matron in the mare group. Often this mare will keep the stallion away from shy mares and it is not uncommon for her to be un-joined at the end of the breeding season.
Hand serving is not without its own risks of accident to mares, stallions and also handlers. Nevertheless, it is a tried and proven technique for achieving a high pregnancy rate. Modern technology has advanced the process of horse breeding to create a whole new dimension – bringing the stallion to the mare.
With the introduction of suitable techniques for chilling and latterly, freezing of stallion semen, it is now possible for the mare to be bred at home without ever seeing the stallion. The movement of chilled semen around the country, and even internationally, is only constrained by the limitations of freight delivery timetables and remote location. Risk of physical injury is eliminated and better management of the mare cycle is achieved.
In recent years, there has been a dramatic improvement in the quality of frozen stallion semen available. As a result, the industry is gaining confidence in utilizing the technology. Successful outcomes breeding with frozen semen are dependent on three factors – fertile mares, good quality frozen semen and skilled veterinary input. Breeding with frozen semen requires careful timing of insemination to coincide with ovulation.
The collection and preservation of high quality frozen semen involves highly technically and finely controlled processes. Internationally recognized as one of the leaders in this field is Select Breeders Services, a company with an unparalleled reputation for consistency and quality assurance programs, Select Breeders Services sets a benchmark for frozen semen quality.
Usually, semen is collected on site where the laboratory is located and commences the freezing process within minutes of collection. Demand for frozen semen has increased, and the reluctance of some stallion owners to send their sires away from the lane stud has been the catalyst for the development of mobile laboratory services. Conception Equine, an SBS affiliate laboratory, has recently launched its mobile semen freezing laboratory to offer this service at the owners farm.
Stallion owners are often motivated to have semen frozen as a form of insurance in the event of an untimely death or incapacitation. However, once frozen semen is available, it quickly becomes clear just how many increased services can be sold, especially into remote locations where it is impractical to ship out the mare and impossible to ship in chilled semen. At the end of the day it just makes a whole lot of sense (and cents) to be able to promote your stallion using the whole range of breeding opportunities available – smarter, safer and sophisticated breeding.
