Pre-Freeze Centrifugation Extenders Selection for Optimizing Equine Semen Cryopreservation Cryopreservation exposes spermatozoa to significant physical and chemical stress, making pre-freeze semen centrifugation extender selection critical for maintaining sperm viability and membrane integrity. This study compared four extender formulations — with and without cholesterol and pentoxifylline — to identify the most effective option for pre-centrifugation use in equine semen… Read More: Pre-Freeze Semen Centrifugation Extenders »
Increasing Sperm Membrane Cholesterol Improves Cold Shock Resistance and Cryosurvival in Stallions Stallion sperm are inherently sensitive to cold shock due to a low cholesterol-to-phospholipid membrane ratio (0.38–0.45), compared to cold-shock-resistant species such as humans and rabbits (0.88–0.99). This study investigated how much cholesterol supplementation — delivered via cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins — is required to protect stallion sperm from… Read More: Cholesterol Improves Cold Shock Resistance »
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: Comparing DNA Damage Assays »
Dismount Semen Sample Evaluation, Post-Mating Antibiotics, and Mare Clinical Parameters Background Purpose In Thoroughbred breeding, in-hand mating is the only permitted method, and dismount semen sample evaluations are routinely collected to confirm ejaculation and assess semen quality. Post-mating uterine antibiotic infusions (ceftiofur or ticarcillin) are commonly used to reduce infection risk. This study examined whether dismount sample characteristics… Read More: Dismount Semen Sample Evaluation »
Counting Sperm With a Hemocytometer Counting sperm to determine concentration is an essential part of evaluating or processing semen, and counting sperm with a hemocytometer is a very accurate method when performed correctly. In order to do anything with a reasonable expectation of success when preparing semen for use, one needs to know the raw sperm concentration. There… Read More: Counting Sperm With a Hemocytometer »
Processing Equine Semen It’s not difficult to correctly process equine (horse) semen for on-farm insemination or shipping, but it is one about which we often receive questions. Here we look at the basic steps behind achieving a good shipment. This article reviews management of a straightforward stallion. Poor quality semen or that with specific issues – although briefly… Read More: Processing Equine Semen »
Centrifugation of Stallion Semen – Tips and tricks for centrifugation of stallion semen, with a G-rate (RCF) calculator. Why centrifuge semen? See this article! By Jos Mottershead Why Centrifuge Semen? There are a number of reasons why one would choose to centrifuge stallion semen other than the obvious reasons such as during preparation prior to freezing. One of… Read More: Centrifugation – Tips, Techniques and Calculations »
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) – a detailed and descriptive article about equine viral arteritis (EVA), a disease which has severe negative reproductive implications. By: Kathy St.Martina, Jos Mottersheada, Dr. Peter Timoneyb aEquine-Reproduction.com LLC, Wynnewood, OK 73098, USA; bDepartment of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA… Read More: Equine Viral Arteritis »
Constructing An Emergency Slide Warmer – Sometimes lab equipment may not be available, so one has to become inventive. An emergency slide warmer is one such piece of equipment! By Jos Mottershead Sometimes lab equipment may not be available, so one has to become inventive. An emergency slide warmer is one such piece of equipment! Easily constructed –… Read More: Warming Semen in the Field »
One-on-one Horse Breeding Training While we are renowned for offering short courses on the subject of horse breeding worldwide, we not infrequently encounter people either at the courses or through our website who are in need of more specific one-on-one horse breeding training. Perhaps they do not own stallions but want to learn more about the reproductive aspects… Read More: Individual Tuition »
