Reproduction in the stallion Flashcards
Reasons for performing a breeding soundness exam (BSE)
- Pre- purchase
- Before start of breeding season
- Fertility problems
Seasonality of stallion
Peak testosterone in april-may
Spermatogenesis and libido reduced in winter
Respond well to artificial light
How long is the spermatogenic cycle
56 days
Fertility exam (BSE) stallion
- Identification
- History
- Clinical exam
Clinical exam of stallion
External genitalia
- Urethra, penis, prepuce
- Scrotum and testes (ripe tomatoes)
- Cauda epididymis
- Check for cryptorchid by palpation and measuring anti-mullerian hormone in serum
Internal genitalia
- Difficult unless suitable facilities
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What accessory glands do stallions have
- Bulbourethral
- Prostate
- Seminal vesicles
- Ampullae
Assessment of reproductive behaviour
Must be able to:
- Show interest in the mare and drop penis within 2 mins
- Develop an erection within first 3 mins
- Mount without hesitation
- Insert the penis
- Provide intravaginal thrusts (3-5)
- Ejaculate
3 potential venereal infections spread by stallion
- Tayorella equigenitalis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
Stallion testing: where to swab
- Urethra
- Urethral fossa
- Penile sheath
- Pre-ejaculatory
When can a stallion be designated suitable for breeding after a positive venereal infection
When he is treated and has had 3 sets of negative swabs that are obtained 7 days apart
Collection of semen for testing
Using artificial vagina/condom/rake back method
Semen evaluation
Evaluate daily sperm output, may require 2-10 days to ensure it is stable
Test:
- Volume
- Colour
- pH
- Motility and progressive motility
- Longevity of spermatozoal motility
- Sperm concentration and number
- Live/dead staining
- Spermatozoal morphology
- Cytology and bacteriology
