Q: How is semen supplied for covering mares?
A: How the semen is provided affects how the mare is bred, so understanding the different methods is very important:
- Natural cover is when a mare is turned out with the stallion or covered in hand. The mare either shows that she is in season through her behaviour, or the vet scans her uterus and ovaries to confirm this is the case. The mare is then covered – often on alternate days – until she no longer stands for the stallion, which indicates she’s no longer in season.
- Fresh semenis collected and placed directly into the mare. This only works if the mare is on-site and can be inseminated immediately after collection. This technique is less commonly used than natural covering or insemination with fresh, chilled semen.
- Fresh, chilled semen is collected, processed and chilled, ready for transport. Once collected, the semen can live for between 48 and 72 hours. This allows time for the semen to be shipped across the country or potentially internationally before being given to the recipient mare.
- Frozen semenis collected, processed and stored in small straws that are then frozen in liquid nitrogen. Using this method, the semen can last for many years, often long after the stallion has died.When the recipient mare comes into season, her cycle is monitored, and the semen defrosted and administered as close to ovulation as possible.
Did you know?
Legally, all imported semen must be accompanied by appropriate health certificates, which must be checked prior to insemination.