AI

[DianneC]

Since we are discussing Luistano and other crosses on another thread I thought it would be great to pick everyone's minds about AI. Michelle, you seem to do the most since you do the most crosses. What makes it successful? With the cost of each shipment being almost $300 plus a couple of vet calls (so that makes it closer to $800) plus breeding fee, its important to do everything right to get the highest pregnancy rate on the first try. We've used the technique of watching the mare for signs of heat, then having the vet out to check the follicle size so we can tell when the egg will be released. Then planning the shipment and doing the AI about 12 hours prior to ovulation. We haven't used Regumate but I know that some do, any comments?
Do you verify the stallion's motility rate and sign a contract?

[fantasykiger]

Oh I am curious as well. While I have done AI it was at the stud farm with my mare present and the stud as well. So there was no shipping cost or anything just the cost of the vet to do the process. My mare had a caslix to keep her enviroment in there clean, sliding the AI tube thru', lessened the risk of bacteria entering. My mare was given Regumate for a period of time before we AIed if I recall, her hormones were out of whack, it was a long time ago. It only took the one time and she took and was in foal. There were ultrasounds done when the mare was in heat to check follicle size to determine the best time to AI as well.

Oh I forgot to mention the stud owner did have a fertitlity rate on the stud or sperm count.

[Michelle Clarke]

Usually the first shipment is included in the breeding fee, with each additional shipment being $250 (just been my experience). There should be enough semen for two breedings. On farm we used FedEx and shipping costs each way were $75 - which I was expected to pay. One gal had a deal with Fed Ex and shipments were only $35 each way, so that helped. Last year we tried to breed on foal heats, and the three mares did not take. Whether is was foal heat or the shipping, I am not sure. My vet did motility (which the stallion owner usually does every year) and it was kind of low. The 30 day heats we shipped air - was cheaper and we got the semen the same day, did the mares that night, then again in the morning and we were good to go.

Usually I watch the mares for heat. Mostly they come into foal heat between 5-9 days, then the 30 day heat (from foaling). We have stallions, so we do tease them regularly. Once we see a good heat, we have ultrasounds done and usually breed with the follicle at about 36-40. However, each mare is different and I belive Leza went up to like a 43. The trick is to get the follicle fertilized right before it is expelled.

I have never had luck with hormones to bring the mares into a timely heat. I know it is done and most likely works for many, but I really belive that if they are not coming into a good heat, there is a darn good reason for it and better to either address it a different way or leave good enough alone and try again the next year.

Yes, a contract is definately in order to protect everyone. The vet helping doing any of the collection/shipping and the receiving vet should be in contact. Alot of farms though, do their own shipping...

Then we do an ultrasound at 18 days and if all is well, we do another at 45 days to check for a heart beat. Usually I do not do any more checks after this unless I am questioning if the mare lost it or not.

What I am really careful about is the 5-12 days after breeding. The 8th day after conception is when the follicle is at its' most vulnerable. I do no change in routine, no deworming, meds, supplements, no stress, etc. at this time.

[DianneC]

Thanks, that's interesting to hear. I hadn't heard about the 8th day before.