While artificial insemination (AI) might not be every breeders’ first choice of breeding method, it does offer flexibility in accommodating stallion and mare schedules, as well as access to the worldwide market. Further, researchers are continually improving the methods by which semen is processed to improve the quality buyers receive.

Jane Morrell, FRCVS, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences recently lead a research team in testing a scaled-up method of semen processing designed to improve AI efficacy.

"Our previous studies have shown that stallion sperm quality could be improved using single layer centrifugation (SLC) through the colloid Androcoll-E," explained Morrell.

"In the current study with stored semen, we have shown that it is also possible to improve sperm quality in AI doses that have been shipped to other studs, and that one can prolong the ‘shelf-life’ of the semen doses in this manner if it is not needed for AI on the day that it is received at the stud," she added