Stallion Sexual Behavior

Descriptions of reproductive behavior of equids under free-running conditions are available in a number of resources.* These can be very instructive toward understanding the basic nature of stallions and how behavior varies under domestic breeding conditions. Most domestic stallions are handled under halter for live breeding or collection of semen. As opposed to the full complement of harem formation and maintenance behaviors typical of a harem stallion under free-running conditions, the behavior of a domestic stallion bred under halter is typically limited to the immediate precopulatory interactions. Key elements of normal stallion behavior are listed in Table 4-l. To the extent allowed, these may include vocalization to the female, limited olfactory and tactile’investigation, and flehmen response. Most stallions interact with a mare as soon as allowed, achieve erection within 2 minutes of contact,’ and are ready to mount within 5 to 10 seconds after full erection is achieved. Copulatory behavim of stallions includes mounting, insertion, thrusting, ejaculation, and dismount. Once mounting occurs, copulatory behavior of halter-bred stations proceeds similarly to that of free-running stall