Chilled horse semen fits bill in F&M emergency
Chilled horse semen fits bill in F&M emergency
NOT all breed societies recognise foals born by AI, but in the face of the foot-and-mouth outbreak, it is something they should reconsider, says Jane Manning of the Kilpeck Stud, Didley, Hereford.
"Fortunately, the Irish Draught Horse Society fully recognises stock born by this method," says Jane, who has noticed a considerable increase in enquiries for chilled semen from her Registered Irish Draught stallion, Roma Diamond Skip.
Using chilled semen, which is transported in an Equitainer sent by courier to the mare owners vet, does away with the need for horses to be moved around the country.
"I contacted MAFF regarding the despatch and use of chilled horse semen because of the foot-and-mouth situation. They were very supportive and keen on the idea because it avoids added movement of animals," says Jane.
"Although it means a drop in income for us we are strongly advising owners to keep their mares at home.
"Diamond covers up to 60 mares a year. He has been the top covering Registered Irish Draught in the UK for the past four years, so you can imagine the travelling and transportation involved just for one stallion if mares come to the stud."
About 20% of Diamonds mares are usually in foal with chilled semen and he has won the fertility trophy or been runner-up every year since standing at stud.
Another bonus of this method is that if the mare has a foal at foot, the owner does not miss out on the baby stages by sending it off to the stud."
For more information phone 01981-570212.