Artificial Insemination (AI) describes the process of introducing semen to a mare’s ovum (egg) for fertilisation without the need for natural mating with a stallion to occur. It is performed by means of a catheter inserted through the mare’s cervix by a veterinarian.
AI is used in horses for a number of reasons including the availability of the stallion, as an aid in managing mares with reproductive difficulties, to decrease the workload and increase the efficiency of the stallion, in the event of injury to the mare or stallion which may prevent normal service and in controlling venereal disease. Successful AI involves regular ultrasound examination and monitoring of the mare’s cycle and necessitates close communication between the mare owner, the veterinarian and the semen provider.
At MVG we have an excellent success rate with the use of both chilled semen (from anywhere within Australia) and frozen semen (stored in liquid nitrogen). The technique can also be used for fresh semen where there is physical reasons that natural mating is not possible.
The AI process allows mare owners to access the genetics from stallions all over the world.
Our ever expanding reproduction facility at MVG allows us to provide full care for mares during the AI process, providing safe yards, paddocks and stables during their stay.
Our team of vets use the latest in techniques to ensure the mare’s best chances of conceiving.
The AI process (especially with frozen semen) requires a much higher degree of timing than natural mating and as such mares are monitored around the clock.
We are happy to provide mare owners with an up to date list of costs for procedures involved in AI for the breeding season, which will include our agistment costs. It is wise to remember that the cost of your chosen stallion will in some cases only form half of your costs involved in obtaining a pregnancy.
