semen collection services

>>dummy training

We come to you for 2-3 days, to teach your stallion to use a dummy mare and artificial vagina. We will talk through the entire process before beginning training, which generally consists of 2-6, 20 minute training sessions per day, generally culminating in the collection of 1-3 ejaculates during the entire process. Any semen collected can be examined, and chilled (or frozen if required).

Training the stallion to collect using a dummy is far safer than collection from jump mare, as it removes one animal (and potential kicks etc.) from the breeding set-up. We ensure that stallions are trained in a way which means that they associate the dummy with the breeding process, not the mare. This means that the stallion can be collected from throughout the year without the need for an in-season mare (although one will be required for the training process). Using a dummy mare also reduces the chance for disease transmission.

>>ground collection training

Ground collection is a great option for older stallions, stallions that are reluctant to use a dummy, or where a dummy mare or jump mare are not available. Not all stallions are good candidates for ground collection, but the vast majority are, and it's a system that works very well for yards with just one stallion, or where a stallion is in training and breeding facilities do not exist.

The training packages may be combined with other services at a reduced rate. In almost all circumstances, an in season mare is required. Please call to discuss your individual requirements.

 

>>standing your stallion at stud

Take the hassle out of the breeding season, by sending your stallion to stand at one of our three centres.We will look after all aspects of the breeding process, including all collections, health tests and papers (as necessary), exercise etc. You still receive your full stud fee, and you have the benefit of being able to have mares inseminated on-site using fresh semen to give a complete service to mare owners using your stallion.

>>chilled semen extender testing

Every stallion is different, and every stallion's semen works best with a specific extender. Establishing which extender works best with your stallion's semen can dramatically improve his fertility, and that can make the stud season a great deal easier when you're shipping chilled semen. It can be the difference between the mare owner acheiving a pregnancy, or receiving a shipment of dead sperm cells! Finding the right extender can be a little tricky, and somewhat frustratingly the right extender one season, might be the wrong extender the following season, and vice versa. We recommend that you undertake an evaluation at the start of every season to ensure that your stallion's fertility is maximised every year. We can collect and assess the semen, or you can collect and pack it according to our instructions.

>>semen collection consulting

Having trouble getting your stallion onto the dummy? Will he not accept the A.V? Is the semen you ship not resulting in pregnancies? If you're having any problems with your AI setup, then get in touch. We will visit you with the lab to help you make sure that your semen collection, insemination and shipping goes without a hitch. Please feel free to call us for advice at any time, even if you're not thinking about using our services.

 

 

some facts and figures

• So far in 2008, we have collected semen from over 70 different stallions from all around the United Kingdom. A number of these were having severe fertility issues, and had been written off as infertile by vets and other stallion centres. We are pleased to announce that our suggestions for treatment, and methods of altering collections and handling of semen from these 5 stallions has led to 23 pregnancies that would otherwise have not occured. In the most extreme case, we have increased one stallion's -per cycle- conception rate from less than 15%, to over 75%.