On 7/17/2008 2:20 PM Marcia wrote:
> frozen semen ... I would make sure that you know that the stallion has
produced live foals with frozen semen here -- and if they will tell you, ask
what the ratio is of doses of semen shipped to live foals produced.

The question to ask is "what is the first-cycle conception rate" for
that stallion. Bearing in mind that the average first-cycle conception
rate for cooled semen is somewhere between 60%, and that frozen semen ON
THE AVERAGE will be about 10% lower, anything over 50% is acceptable,
although of course better than that is preferable.

> I should also add that the breed makes a difference.

I'm not sure that this makes as much difference as individual stallion
variability. We freeze a wide variety of breeds, and see a wide variety
of results in those breeds. The one exception I will make is that
generally, the European warmblood stallions tend to have a slightly
greater freezability and quality of ejaculate, but even that is not
absolute.

> I received info on progressive motility tests on the thawed semen which
appeared to be satisfactory

Motility does not equate to fertility with frozen semen. Indeed, even
with fresh semen one can have good motility, but zero fertility! With
frozen semen however, if there is damage to various structures on the
sperm during the freezing/thawing process, they may remain motile but
incapable of fertilization.

> Veterinarians, mares, facilities, transport -- all are fair game for laying
blame.

And rightly so. All have the potential to make or break success with
frozen (or any) semen!

Frozen semen is a tremendously valuable tool for the breeder, but as
with any tool, one has to know how to "use" it! There are various
aspects that require investigation prior to even considering the use of
frozen semen, and - again, as ever - knowledge is power, so researching
all aspects of it before actually getting to the point of even ordering
it, and making the decision as to whether it is suitable for you and
your situation is a wise precaution.

If the frozen semen is of acceptable quality, and the technicians
responsible for the breeding are capable, conscientious and
knowledgeable, then - in my opinion - frozen semen is easier to use than
cooled semen. I know I would prefer to breed a mare with frozen than
have to order cooled - it's far less stressful!!!

Regards to all,

Jos Mottershead
For equine reproduction information and
CE credit short course details visit:
http://www.equine-reproduction.com