Artificial Insemination (Frozen) Breeding Package

Artificial Insemination (AI) is the technique Artificial insemination (AI) is the technique used to manually deposit semen into the uterus of a mare at the optimal time in her oestrus cycle to achieve pregnancy. For artificial insemination with frozen semen, the semen needs to be stored and transported in liquid nitrogen (at the temperature of -196oC). For use, the semen must be thawed immediately before insemination, and mares must be inseminated within 6 hours of ovulation to maximise pregnancy rates.

Checklist before insemination with your designated stallion:

  • Ensure the semen is shipped to Sussex Equine Hospital before preparing the mare for insemination.

  • Buy from a reputable stud / agent and ask for details on semen quality, post-thaw motility and pregnancy rates.

  • Ensure that the semen is correctly transported to be viable.

Fixed Price Breeding Package includes:

  • Breeding soundness examination.

  • Breeding management: consecutive palpations of the reproductive tract and ultrasound scans per rectum required to determine when it is the best time for breeding. And the following hormones administration.

  • Prostaglandin (pg): hormone used to shorten oestrus cycle of the mare, inducing oestrus (heat).

  • Ovulation inductor (Chorulon (hCG) or Deslorelin): hormone used to induce the mare’s ovulation.

  • Oxytocin: hormone stimulates the contraction of the uterus and helps to evacuate fluid from the uterus.

  • Endometrial/clitoral sample collection for culture and cytology, if needed.

  • Artificial insemination.

  • Evaluation of the semen supplied.

  • Post-insemination follow-up: palpations and scans necessary to check for ovulation and for post-breeding problem.

  • Caslick (vulvoplasty), if needed - procedure that improves the seal of the vulva (that acts as a barrier), reducing the chance of bacterial infection.

  • Pregnancy diagnosis at 14, 16 and 28 days.

  • Twin squeezing: if twin pregnancy detected at 14 - 16 days, reduction (squeezing) of one of the embryos is required.

  • Coordination with stallion owner or semen agent regarding the semen shipment.

This package does not include:

  • Any uterine treatment (e.g. uterine lavage, intrauterine antibiotic infusion, etc.).

  • Any other adjuvant treatment necessary to the listed previously (e.g. anti-inflammatories, Regumate, etc.)

  • Any laboratory fees.

  • Endometrial biopsy.

  • Subsequent pregnancy scans after 28 days (e.g. foetal sexing determination, placenta measurements, end of the breeding season pregnancy confirmation, etc.).

  • Sedation if deemed necessary for the safety of personnel and the mare.

  • All veterinary visits required to perform the above examinations. But we would do a 50% discount in visit fee every 3 visits.

  • Visits and treatments of any condition not associated directly with the mare’s breeding.

Pricing

The cost of the Fixed Price Breeding Package for frozen semen is £510 + VAT for the first cycle. If the mare fails to become pregnant, the subsequent cycles will be charged at £405 + VAT per cycle. The fee for “Failed Delivery Frozen Repeat Cycle” is £200 + VAT.

For further information, do not hesitate to contact us on 01473970393.

A stud service tailored to you and your horse

Every breeding programme is different. We take the time to understand your mare or stallion, previous breeding history, intended timescales and breeding goals before recommending an appropriate plan.

From routine reproductive examinations and pregnancy diagnosis to fertility investigations and emergency mare and foal care, our experienced stud vet provides knowledgeable and personal veterinary support for breeders and horse owners across Suffolk and Essex.

To discuss routine stud work or arrange a reproductive examination, please contact our team