By Dr. Juan C. Samper, DVM, PHD, DIPL. ACT

Introducing a stallion to semen collection is a critical step in breeding management. Early experiences shape his future behaviour, affecting both breeding success and safety. Proper training and evaluation ensure that semen quality meets the standards required for successful shipping and artificial insemination.

A stallion’s first interactions with a tease mare and breeding dummy set the foundation for his behaviour. He must learn:

• Patience – Rushing can lead to bad habits and unsafe behaviour.
• Handling Routine – Stallions must tolerate washing before collection.
• Acceptable Behaviour – Clear boundaries prevent aggressive or unruly tendencies.

Stallions that aren’t managed correctly early on can become difficult to handle, impacting their breeding career and overall safety.

Once the stallion is comfortable with collection, semen analysis is essential. Key factors to evaluate include:

• Sperm Count – Determines the number of viable sperm per ejaculate.
• Motility & Longevity – Measures how well sperm survive and move.
• Suitability for Cooling & Freezing – Some stallions produce sperm that does not preserve well, affecting fertility rate

Stallions that aren’t bred regularly may accumulate older sperm, leading to low-quality first collections. Some stallions clear out retained sperm quickly, while others require multiple collections before reaching optimal semen quality. Evaluating semen after clearing initial collections ensures more accurate fertility assessments.

Dr. Juan Samper, MSc, PhD, Diplomat ACT, operated JCS Veterinary Reproductive Services in Langley, BC, from 1993-2017. He has consulted with breeders and veterinarians in over 25 countries. He served as the Associate Dean Clinical Affairs at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine from 2014 to 2017, and is presently the Associate Dean of Students and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. 

This article was originally published in the April 2011 issue of Canadian Horse Journal.

Photo: Anthea McLauchlan