What Is Artificial Insemination in Horses?

Artificial insemination in horses is the insertion of semen collected from the stallion and placed in the mare using artificial means, such as using a pipette. There are several reasons for the procedure and benefits to it. In most cases, the success rate is higher and more cost effective than natural breeding processes. Artificial insemination also increases the chance of successful foaling from progeny stallions in the equine industry.

  1. Purpose

    • The reasons for the procedure vary. One reason for the artificial insemination of a horse may be that the mare is not willing to take the stallion under natural breeding circumstances. In this case, artificial insemination prevents unnecessary injury to the stallion in the breeding shed. Another possibility is a stallion may be in a different country or location than the the potential breeding mare. In both cases, artificial insemination is a common alternative, and in some cases the first choice, among equine breeders.

    Origin

    • According to EquiWorld, the first known account of artificial insemination was in 1322 AD, when an Arab chief used artificial methods to collect semen from an enemy's prized stallion to impregnate his own mare. Many centuries later, in 1899, under the direction of E.I. Ivanoff, artificial insemination in horses underwent extensive study. But EquiWorld states that the practice has gained widespread popularity only recently.

    Modern Use

    • In 1902, equine artificial insemination was used as a method to overcome sterility. However, since that time, artificial insemination used for equine breeding has undergone a great deal of research proving its effectiveness, giving breeders more incentive to use it. Before a stallion can be cleared for the use of artificial insemination purposes, he must undergo quarantine and be extensively tested for diseases that are harmful to the potential mare and foal.

    Success Rate

    • The success rate for artificial insemination is quite high now that scientists have perfected methods of collection and storage of equine semen, which can be frozen and used years after a stallion's death. Also, because the breeding season is different in varying parts of the world, EquiWorld states that the use of artificial insemination in horses has allowed a successful stallion's semen to impregnate mares year round and on an international level.

    Benefits and Considerations

    • By exporting equine semen to other countries, the genetic base of successful stallions introduces new bloodlines into the horse breeding industry. Furthermore, Equi World reports that artificial insemination is more cost effective and less stressful for the mare or stallion than it is to quarantine and transport mares and stallions internationally.