TULLIS Matson of Stallion AI Services gave an insightful presentation to the 2019 Irish Equine Reproductive Symposium, explaining how taking a number of small steps over the course of the semen collection process can make a significant difference to the overall quality of the semen.

Like mares, each stallion must be treated as an individual – what works for one may not necessarily work best for another – and this applies to the use of extenders as well. Sexing semen is also becoming more common in the equine breeding industry.

When it comes to collecting semen from stallions, each horse has his own preferred way and the people around them making sure they are as happy and comfortable as possible can help the end production.

Collection techniques include:

Another step which can help improve the quality of the semen collected is centrifugation – a spinning technique used to separate the fluid particles. Matson uses it for the removal of seminal plasma, helping to increase the longevity of the sperm and improve its quality.

He also uses density gradient centrifugation for the removal of morphologically abnormal sperm which thus providing a higher proportion of viable cells.

Epididymal semen harvesting

In the past, this procedure was used when a stallion had suffered trauma of some type. It’s used now after elective castrations and can offer a lifeline to breeders, but factors to watch out for include: