Breeding Horses at Nevele R Stud by Athena



Nevele R Stud is a standard-bred horse breeding farm in Canterbury, New Zealand, and has been home to multiple champion stallions since its founding. They exclusively use artificial insemination, which begins with collecting semen from the stallion. This involves the stallion mounting the phantom (which is also known in the U.S. as a “dummy”) and an artificial vagina being placed over his penis by Stud Manager Anna Murphy until he ejaculates. A tease mare (a female horse in heat) may also be present in the room to help start the process. All personnel in the collection room have to wear protective clothing as the collection process can become dangerous if they aren’t careful and prepared.

 After they collect the semen, they examine it under a microscope for the quantity and motility of the sperm. One collection from a fertile stallion can be used to inseminate 28-30 mares, while a collection from a sub-fertile stallion can be used to inseminate 6-8 mares. Once the semen is collected, an extender will be added to it to help the sperm live longer (up to 36 hours) and a chiller pack will be added to the shipping container for transport. If the semen is not going to be used for a longer period of time, it can be collected, packaged in small straws, and liquid nitrogen will be used to keep it cool until it’s ready to be used. Then the mare will be inseminated while she’s in heat using fresh, chilled, or frozen semen. Veterinarians will perform pregnancy checks using ultrasound 14, 28, and 42 days after breeding. This allows the veterinarians to ensure the mare is maintaining pregnancy and try to prevent twin pregnancies as they can be dangerous for the foals and the mare. The mare will either return to its home or stay at Nevele R Stud until she is ready to foal.

Late in pregnancy, mares will develop a waxy substance on their teats and will be brought into the foaling barn. People will watch the horses overnight and alert the veterinarians if the mare is displaying any signs of labor. Nine to twelve days after giving birth, the mare can come into heat and the process begins all over again.

 

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