A Preliminary Comparison of Semen Quality between Competing and Non-Competing Equine Stallions
2017
Rationale: Artificial insemination allows sport horse stallions within breeding programmes to breed and compete concurrently. The level of exercise of stallions complete during the breeding season is a controversial subject. Daily
exercise at low intensities is important for the mental and reproductive well-being of the stallion, however higher
intensities of exercise, as seen in competing stallions, may have detrimental effects on seminal quality. The purpose
of this study was to gain a greater understanding into the effects of competition and discipline on equid stallion
semen through analysis of seminal parameters. The identification of optimal competition management for breeding
stallions may lead to increased stallion fertility and economic gain.
Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the seminal data of 1130 stallion collections from two UK based
stud farms between 2009 and 2015. Seminal volume, concentration and progressive motility were analysed for
differences between competing and non-competing stallions, then for differences between stallion disciplines.
Results: Competing stallion semen concentration and progressive motility was significantly lower than noncompeting
stallions (p<0.05). Semen volume was significantly higher in competing stallions (p<0.05) than noncompeting
stallions. Non-competing stallion semen count was significantly higher than that of competing stallions
(p<0.05).
Conclusion: The difference in semen quality between competing and non-competing stallions, as well as the
difference between disciplines suggests endocrinological and physiological changes occur in relation to training
intensity and competition. Further research into semen quality considering exercise and competition will allow for
contextualisation as to why these differences occurred.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
46
References
2
Citations
NaN
KQI