Do you ever wish you could give your breeding stallion a magic supplement to enhance his fertility? Science isn’t there yet, but according to an equine reproduction specialist, some supplements and diet changes might help, as research has shown that some dietary alterations really do have a beneficial effect on semen quality and stallion fertility.

"A number of supplements have recently been studied that show real promise for improving the breeding performance of stallions," said Steve Brinsko, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, professor and chief of theriogenology in Texas A&M University’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Brinsko presented on the topic at the 2011 Florida Association of Equine Practitioner’s Annual Promoting Excellence in the Southeast Convention, held Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 in Amelia Island, Fla.

"These supplements include ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, the polyamines spermine and spermidine, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants such as L-carnitine," continued Brinsko, who is also president of the American College of Veterinary Theriogenologists.

Of all of the different supplements touted to improve semen quality (ergo stallion fertility), the most recent research has focused on altering the fatty acid component of a stallion’s diet, he said