Does inseminating with one dose right at ovulation give better fertility than 2 dose timed insemination?
SBS has developed and tested a simple and effective protocol for managing mares that are being inseminated with frozen semen. The protocol involves a single daily examination until a 35mm pre-ovulatory follicle is detected, administration of an ovulation agent (hCG or Deslorelin), and insemination with two doses of semen; one each at 24 and 40 hours after administering the ovulation inducing agent. Use of this protocol insures that viable sperm are available for fertilisation in the mare’s reproductive tract during the time of 12 hours before to 6 hours after ovulation for mares ovulating 18 to 52 hours after administration of hCG or Deslorelin. Data obtained from studies conducted in Italy and Colorado as well as evidence from our own commercial distribution program, indicate that similar pregnancy rates are achieved for mares bred using this protocol and those inseminated with a single dose of semen within six hours of ovulation. Mare owners can achieve excellent results with frozen
