Breeding the Problem Mare by Artificial Insemination

Horse breeding is the procedure by which an adequate number of sperm are deposited into the uterus of a “healthy” mare at the right time. Although semen deposition is performed in all breeds by natural cover (NC), it is often, and with increasing frequency, done artificially. Although the main difference between natural breeding and artificial insemination (AI) is the delivery method of semen into the uterus, many other factors determine the success or failure of the breeding. Therefore, natural breeding, if properly done, should not be considered a cheap alternative to AI. Many horse breeders are of the opinion that if the mare does not become pregnant by AI, turning her out with a stallion to be pasture bred or giving her a live cover will maximize the chances of establishing a pregnancy. In my opinion, a mare that fails to become pregnant by AI with good semen quality and does so by NC without human intervention, is an example of poor or inadequate breeding management by the personnel performing the AI. Our ability to differentiate between physiologic and pathologic conditions and to establish appropriate therapies is a hallmark of those of us that practice reproductive medicine and should be the basis for proper reproductive management. Breeding management includes (1) diagnostic procedures to determine the soundness for breeding of both male and female, (2) necessary therapies before and after breeding, and (3) determination of the optimal time for insemination. This paper will discuss some of the managerial procedures and address a few of the common problems that veterinarians encounter when breeding mares by artificial insemination.