A.I.-sperm of the stallion: Evaluation criteria and minimal standards - A survey

Abstract

Evaluation of biological semen quality in stallions is based on analysis of sperm-motility, -morphology, -function and seminalplasma constituents. Methods are listed and discussed in relation to semen preservation techniques and stallion fertility. Minimal standards of stallion A.I.sperm regarding the mainly limiting factors - preservation techniques, sperm dose, frequency, timing and method of A.I. - are demonstrated. Sperm dose for liquid stallion semen transfered during the day of collection should not fall short of than 300 × 106 motile spermatozoa; in the case of chilled transported semen - used 24-36 hours after semen collection - the double dose is recommended. In the case of frozen equine semen good laboratory practice should be a sperm dose of a total of 800 x 106 spermatozoa with a postthaw motility of at least 35%.