Fresh/Frozen Artificial Insemination

Fresh and cooled transported, and frozen semen breeding account for the bulk of the HVS clinic’s caseload during the spring months, with most artificial inseminations on mares performed each year between February and the end of July. Semen is transported from all over North America and other locations around the world, while mares are housed at the clinic and monitored throughout their cycle so they can be bred at the appropriate time. HVS structures this so all the details of shipping, permits, and other logistics are taken care of – freeing mare owners to simply drop off and pick up.

Fresh – Ensures the highest conception rates from semen being at its highest quality and longevity outside of the stallion. This can be the best option for maiden mares, as well as older mares and mares struggling with infertility. Here the mare is monitored until it is determined when ovulation will occur. Semen is then collected and shipped for the optimal breeding time. However, while fresh semen has many benefits, there is the chance of issues with shipments, resulting in a missed breeding cycle.

Frozen – Ensures a more readily available option, as there are no challenges with shipments. Semen is at the clinic and ready to use. However, freezing semen can slightly decrease the quality and lifespan of the semen post thaw. While some semen can maintain high motility, some can rapidly decrease in motility compared to fresh semen. Due to this, the mares are monitored closer in order to be bred within 6 hours of ovulation time. Post breeding, mares receive a uterine flush to ensure that there is no reaction to the frozen semen. It is also recommended that mares not be bred with frozen semen on a foal heat.