Egg Yolk Concentration, Cryoprotectant Type, and Cooling Rate Effects on Post-Thaw Stallion Sperm Quality Cryopreservation extenders vary widely in egg yolk content and the type of penetrating cryoprotectant used, with prior evidence suggesting amide-based cryoprotectants may reduce oxidative stress compared to glycerol alone. This study examined how egg yolk concentration, cryoprotectant combination, and pre-freeze cooling rate interact to… Read More »
Donkey Semen Cryopreservation with Different Permeable Cryoprotectants Optimizing cryoprotectant selection for donkey semen cryopreservation is critical, as excessive concentrations can negatively impact recipient mare fertility. This two-experiment study evaluated cryoprotectant type and concentration to identify the most effective preservation strategy for Pêga donkey semen. Experiment 1 — Cryoprotectant Type (5 donkeys, 20 ejaculates): Five cryoprotectants compared at 5%… Read More »
Epididymal Sperm Collection and Processing Epididymal sperm collection and processing represent the last opportunity for genetic material rescue following sudden stallion death or emergency castration. This study evaluated multiple collection and processing variables across 142 samples to develop a standardized, practitioner-ready protocol. Study Design: 142 samples collected from stallions undergoing elective orchiectomy (castration) Computer-assisted sperm analysis used for… Read More »
Timing Protocol Modification for Frozen Semen Insemination in Mares There are in use a variety of protocols for frozen semen insemination. This research compares the results from several currently used with those from a new timing protocol. Background: There is a growing demand for use of frozen semen in equine artificial insemination practices Classic protocols rely on time-intensive… Read More »
Comparing DNA Damage Assays in Equine Sperm Preservation Background & Purpose Preserving sperm DNA integrity is critical for successful equine assisted reproduction. While low-temperature storage is traditional, above-15°C methods have emerged to reduce cold shock damage. Oxidative stress during any preservation method can cause DNA damage. This study compared the sensitivity of two DNA damage assays — the… Read More »
ISER XIII “Snippets” – Held in Brazil in August 2023, ISER XIII produced a variety of useful research with immediate clinical value, here we review some of the presentations The thirteenth International Symposium on Equine Reproduction (ISER XIII) was held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil between July 10th–14th, 2023. Around 400 veterinarians, researchers and animal scientists were present,… Read More »
We are pleased to be able to announce a complete website update of the Equine-Reproduction.com website! It’s been a while in the making, but we’ve updated the site to a mobile-friendly format. With more and more people using mobile devices of one sort or another, we knew it was time for a website update, as even though the… Read More »
The Ethics of Breeding – More than a popularity contest – This older article discussing horse breeding ethics, while written many years ago still holds true today and is worthy of consideration By Jos Mottershead Printed in: Atlantic Horse and Pony, February 1990: “She’s not grown as much as I thought she would”. How many times have people… Read More »
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) – A notifiable disease, Contagious Equine Metritis poses a significant threat for domestic breeders and international trade. By Jos Mottershead and Kathy St. Martin History In the spring of 1977 a previously unidentified genital infection of the equine was observed in the United Kingdom and Ireland in Thoroughbreds. Mares were being found not pregnant… Read More »
Frozen Equine Semen – An Overview – Some horse breeders are unsure about the use of frozen equine semen. In this overview, we offer some of the pros and cons. Written and presented at the ApHC 2001 World Show, Fort Worth, Texas by Jos Mottershead (with later updates in red) Frozen equine semen advantages include: There are no… Read More »
