Mare Breeding Offer
Artificial Insemination of Your Mare - Chilled Semen.
At this time of year, we have many enquiries from horse owners regarding the breeding of their mares. Whilst this is an advantage for mare owners, serious consideration must be given regarding the age, general health of the mare and any conditions which could be hereditary and thus passed onto any progeny. It is also improtant to look closely into the choice of stallion and whether this horse would be compatible with the mare and produce a foal which could go on to fulfill a chosen discipline. The most likely breeding methods available are natural service and artificial insemination (AI).
The usual procedure when breeding from a mare is to have her swabbed firstly in order to determine if she is carrying any venereal diseases. This is particularly the case where the mare is being inseminated via natural service. Please note that swab results can take up to 10 days to come back from the laboratory. Prior to insemination it is usual practice to scan the mare, sometimes on several occasions to assess the state of the reproductive tract and to measure growing follicles on the ovaries. At this stage we would be looking at the behaviour of the mare and whether she is showing any classic signs of being in season. We would also look at the cervix for any indications that the mare is nearing ovulation and for any oedema along the uterine horns. Once an ovarian follicle has reached 35mm in diameter, it is time to think about insemination.At our practice we offer a package priced at £250 + Vat per Cycle (oestrous) which includes:
- All pre-breeding scans (assessment of follicular size, etc)
- Ovuplant administration (induces ovulation)
- Artificial insemination of chilled semen
- Post breeding treatment costs (covers any post breeding complications such as Endometritis)
It is advisable to scan the mare following service at days 16, 24 and 32 to ensure that she is in foal. Please note that these pregnancy scans are additional costs and are charged at £37.83 +VAT each.
If you require any information regarding breeding or the services that we offer, please contact your local Merlin branch or e-mail iainlathangie@merlinvet.co.uk