Reproductive Services

Kentucky Equine Hospital offers reproductive assistance in many forms including embryo flush & transfer, stallion collection, evaluation and processing for both fresh cooled and frozen semen. Reproductive soundness exams for mares through uterine ultrasonography, endoscopy, biopsy and culture are tools which can prepare the mare for optimal breeding capabilities. Possible treatments for breeding unsoundness include laser hysteroscopy, endometrial cyst ablation and tubal patency technique.

Mare Fertility Exam

A thorough examination of your mare’s reproductive system to determine suitability for breeding or to address reproductive difficulties are available. We utilize different modalities to assess your mare depending on her reproductive situation/history that may include digital ultrasound, uterine culture, uterine biopsy, cervical evaluation with speculum and uterine endoscopy (hysteroscopy).

Embryo Flush/Transfer

We offer embryo flush/transfer services that include breeding management of the donor mare, the embryo flush procedure, and processing/shipment of the embryo or transfer into a synchronized recipient mare. We do not maintain an in-house recipient mare herd, but can help to synchronize available recipient mares at client request.

Stallion Collection

Our veterinarians offer stallion collection services in conjunction with a local breeding farm. Collection for fresh cooled semen is available along with semen evaluation for motility, morphology, and semen shipment evaluation.

Semen Evaluation

The purpose for semen evaluation is to determine the prospect of fertility of individual semen samples such as ejaculates or doses of fresh, cooled-transported or frozen/thawed semen. The goal is to clarify if quantitative and qualitative spermatological parameters are in compliance with the minimum requirements for biological composition of stallion semen.

Artificial Insemination - Fresh, Frozen, and Cooled

Placing sperm in the reproductive tract of a mare can be carried out using fresh, cooled or frozen semen from a stallion. AI typically provides a safer environment for the mare, stallion, and personnel as the mare and stallion never come into contact. Successful AI depends on a detailed understanding of the mare’s oestrus cycle, a comprehensive understanding of the mare’s breeding history, and in some cases, the use of advanced reproductive techniques.

Pregnancy Progress Exam

Early diagnosis of pregnancy in a mare plays a critical role in determining her reproductive ability. Pregnancy determination by rectal palpation is the most common and economic diagnostic technique. Other techniques should be used in conjunction, such as transrectal ultrasonography, or examination of the cervix.

Hormone Analysis

There are two major hormones that can be analyzed in supporting a diagnosis of reproductive conditions in horses. Testosterone is measurable in intact males starting at one year of age, though levels are often lower when compared to mature stallion levels; while progesterone tests can be used singly or in combination to assess pregnancy in mares.