Artificial insemination with chilled semen

Chilled semen AI may give nearly as good a chance of conceiving as natural service but the conception rate depends on the individual mare and the quality of the semen. A healthy young mare will have a much higher conception rate than an older mare that has had previous infertility or uterine infection. However, mares of any age that repeatedly contract uterine infections after covering may have a better rate of conception with AI.

Chilled semen is best inseminated within 24 hours of collection and 12 hours of ovulation. Ultrasound examination is therefore required daily once the mare is ready to ovulate. Scanning provides a forecast of when the mare is likely to ovulate so that we can contact the stud to ensure timely delivery of the semen. After insemination a further visit is required to ensure that ovulation has occurred and any uterine therapy, to increase the chance of a successful implantation, can be administered.  

During the time the mare is in season, it is important that you are available throughout the day so that we can visit whenever appropriate. ​

The main advantages of chilled AI are:

• The mare does not have to travel to the stallion. 
• Mares that are more susceptible to uterine infections after natural covering have a better chance of conceiving with AI than natural service. 
• Increased conception rates over frozen semen.