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

Whether using fresh, cooled, or frozen semen, the key to a successful pregnancy lies in timing, mare health, and proper semen handling. Here’s what you need to know to optimize conception rates:

Before insemination, your mare should undergo a reproductive exam to confirm she is in good health and at the right stage of her cycle. If any abnormalities are detected—such as bacterial infections or uterine inflammation—your veterinarian may perform culture and cytology tests to ensure the uterus is ready for pregnancy.

For optimal results with cooled semen, insemination should occur 12 to 24 hours before ovulation. To synchronize timing, veterinarians often induce ovulation with an injection approximately 12 hours before the semen arrives. This increases the likelihood of fertilization and maximizes success rates.

If importing semen from the United States to Canada, mare owners must secure an import permit from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). 

For semen shipped within Canada, no paperwork is needed, but coordinating with the collection facility and choosing a reliable courier is essential to ensure timely delivery.

With proper mare preparation, precise timing, and high-quality semen, pregnancy success rates exceed 50% per cycle. Working closely with a knowledgeable veterinarian and stallion station will help maximize your chances of achieving pregnancy on the first attempt.

Due to importation complications, we have elected to recommend to our clients to inquire about frozen semen as that way we can ship the semen well in advance and there is no problem with timing. In the end it could be less expensive than the collection and shipping fees from the US. 

Related: Should You Breed Your Mare?

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. 

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