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Introduction
1.1. Introduction
Artificial insemination (AI) involves the collection of semen from a male,
usually of superior genetic merit, followed by the transfer of that semen into
a sexually receptive female at the time of ovulation, in order to result in
fertilization. It is practised in numerous mammals, including humans, farm
livestock and exotic zoological species. It has a long history, with the first
reputed use being in the 14th century. However, significant development of
the technique did not occur until the end of the 19th century. Research was
largely carried out in horses and dogs, with the first commercial application
being in horses in Russia at the end of the 19th century. Before its use in
horses could be established, the advent of the combustion engine and the
subsequent decline in horse numbers drove AI research towards its use in
other farm livestock. Though some countries continued their interest in and
use of equine AI, usually on a small scale, many countries concentrated their
interests on bovine and then ovine and porcine AI, which had the greater
earning potential. The recent upsurge in interest in equine AI during the last
15 years has been a reflection of the increase in horse numbers along with
the developing leisure interest in horse riding and the realization of the
economic advantages of AI.
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advantageous traits within the population and encourage the widespread use
of outstanding stallions and hence worldwide dissemination of valuable
genetic material. This can also be to the advantage of breeding programmes,
allowing accelerated improvement and facilitating progeny testing. However,
care must be taken in defining genetically superior, as this may only be a
result of temporary fashion. Concentration on one trait will be to the exclusion of others, thus limiting the genetic base from which future fashionable
traits may be drawn.
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may be collected at a specific time within that routine. It can be processed for
storage and transportation, or even for immediate use on the yard later that
day or as mares are brought in. If collection is carried out early in the
morning and only on a couple of days per week, the stallion is then free for
significant periods to compete, without interfering with his covering duties.
The stallions routine is standardized and the mares can be inseminated as
soon as it is appropriate. Such a system also eases management by
standardizing general yard routine.
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Introduction
Germany, France and The Netherlands) do set quality standards that have to
be met by all stallions used for AI, as do many individual breed societies.
Despite successful evaluation of a semen sample immediately after collection,
significant variation exists in the ability of that semen sample to survive
storage, especially freezing. This, plus the lack of a simple accurate test that
reliably indicates fertility potential in a semen sample, means that the aim of a
quality assurance certificate remains an ideal rather than a practical possibility
at present.
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ovulation now lies with a much larger group of people. These people include
mare managers and veterinarians who are likely to have less experience in
specifically detecting oestrus and in ascertaining the most appropriate time to
cover a mare. As a result, success rates can be disappointing, through no fault
of the technique but rather due to the inexperience of personnel.
1.4. Conclusion
It is evident that, as with all techniques, there are advantages and disadvantages with the use of AI. It is also evident that in the case of equine AI the
advantages far outweigh any possible disadvantages, and that many of the
latter can be addressed by appropriate regulation and by familiarization with
the technique and the associated management required. The industry is
becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of AI and it is evident that
many of the disadvantages or concerns expressed have been successfully
addressed in some countries and within some breed societies. As a result,
equine AI is becoming more widespread in its acceptance and will hopefully
continue to do so. It is the aim of this book to assist in the widespread
acceptance of equine AI largely via the route of education.