AI (Artificial Insemination)

Pre-ovulatory ovarian follicle	28 day pregnancy

The practice is a BEVA-registered AI centre which recognises our expertise and facilities in this area.

A comprehensive service is offered in order to maximise the chances of a healthy conception, beginning before the mare goes into season and ending with an ultrasound examination to check for pregnancy. Regular scans help determine the optimum timing for insemination, whilst laboratory tests and treatment as appropriate help prepare the uterus for successful implantation of the fertilised egg. Semen quality is assessed microscopically.

Artificial Insemination (AI) is a technique where semen is infused into the mare’s uterus on or around the point of ovulation. The semen used is usually either chilled or frozen and then thawed. An important factor in the success of AI is the quality or viability of the semen used so it is thoroughly examined at the time of insemination.

The role of the veterinarian is also crucial. With the use of various techniques including ultrasound examination of the mares uterus and ovaries and speculum examination of her cervix we can reliably predict when she is on the point of ovulation and hence the correct time to inseminate. It is important to note that although trained AI technicians can inseminate a mare, only a veterinary surgeon can perform the necessary reproductive examinations to indicate when the mare is ready.

At Three Counties Equine Hospital all mares have a thorough pre-breeding examination before AI is considered. This includes an examination of her reproductive tract and an assessment of her breeding history. It should be noted that mares over the age of 15 years old have reduced fertility.

The main advantages of AI include the availability of a wider range of stallions from across the world. If you are considering a certain stallion it is important to contact the stud and find out if chilled or frozen semen is available. AI also means a mare with a foal at foot does not have to travel to stud . Some of the work can be carried out at home depending on the facilities available. Insemination of frozen/thawed semen is generally carried out at the hospital but a short stay is usually all that is required. AI also reduces the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.

It should be noted however that the technique can be expensive and frustrating at times. At Three Counties Equine Hospital we offer a complete AI package at a set price and more information on this is available by phoning the clinic. Other costs include transport, especially if semen is coming from Europe. Chilled semen will usually arrive from Europe by air courier and delays in this process can seriously hamper progress. It is important to note that all semen shipped from outside the UK must be accompanied by the relevant paperwork confirming the health status of the stallion. Without adequate documentation the semen may not legally be used. In the case of chilled semen this may mean the loss of the shipment.

Transport issues can be solved by using frozen semen which is stored at the hospital. Again frozen semen is useful if a stallion is competing and therefore unavailable for semen collection at short notice. However it is important to pick a stallion with a proven record in producing quality frozen semen as pregnancy rates can be disappointing otherwise. As this semen has a shorter life span it is critical that insemination takes place very close to ovulation so more frequent veterinary examinations are usually required.

Please feel free to contact one of our vets if you are interested in AI and require more information.