Stallion Collection Safety
Written by Kelsey Kempton
Published April 2015
Stallion collection can be a useful addition to any breeding program. Not only does it make breeding safer for both stallion and mare, it provides the opportunity for semen evaluation, shipping, and multiple inseminations. Safety is the number one priority when collecting, for the handlers, the mare, and the stallion. With the proper facilities, equipment, and handling techniques adding a safe collection station can easily become a reality for your farm. The first step to a safe collection is to have a safe facility. You need to have strong, solid tease stocks to put your mare in and an adequately placed and padded phantom. The stocks need to withstand kicking and above all else be able to keep your stallion and mare separate, the less open space for feet to get caught in the better. Our stocks at Horse Feathers Farm are solid on 3 ½ sides with a plywood covered gate, and a quick release tie, allowing our mare to stand safely throughout the collection and without a handler. This means we can collect with just two people; a stallion handler, and an AV handler. The phantom should be a safe distance from the mare stocks, height adjustable, and padded all for the comfort and safety of your stallion. Footing is an aspect of our breeding area that we are striving to improve upon; sand can easily get kicked up into the AV. You do not want your stallion slipping or kicking up a lot of debris during collection. The fundamental piece of equipment in collection is, of course, the artificial vagina (AV). The two most popular models are the Colorado and the Missouri, both have their pros and cons, but no matter which model you have, the same three things matter to your stallion; temperature, pressure, and lubrication. Temperature needs to be between 50-55˚C. Pressure is much more variable depending on the size of your stallion. To achieve the correct pressure, start by filling your AV completely. Then, with a shoulder length sleeve and a large dollop of lube, run your arm into the AV releasing water until your arm fisted hand fit snugly. This is only a baseline, if your stallion is larger than your arm you may need to release a bit more water. Lubricate at least half of the length of your AV with a non-spermicidal lube. Be generous with lube, your stallion will thank you for it! Now that you have safe facilities and equipment, collection should be a breeze, right? WRONG! Your handling techniques can make the difference between a safe, easy collection, and a dangerous disaster! First and foremost, the stallion handler and the AV handler need to wear helmets and communicate throughout the collection process. You also need to be sure you know your stallion. Each stud is different in their needs and preferences for collection, and collection runs a lot smoother if you recognize and remember each stallion’s individual needs. Use of a stud chain is recommended, but whether your boy needs that chain over his nose or in his mouth depends on how respectful he is of your handling. When you bring a stallion into the breeding area, they are going to act studdy; prancing, chugging, and whinnying. This is all fine as long as they remain respectful of the handler. As the stallion handler you must remain in charge and in control. Be aware of how close your stud needs to get to the tease mare to prepare for collection. Most boys do not need to get up close and personal with the mare to prepare, just entering the breeding area and seeing the tease mare is usually enough. Once the stallion handler has teased and gotten the stud on the phantom, it’s time for the AV handler to step in. We usually collect from the left side, but some stallions, like our Arthur, prefer the right side. As the AV handler there are two main rules to remember; watch your toes so you don’t get stepped on, and don’t look over your shoulder, all you will see are front hooves and that can be a bit off-putting. Remember that no collection is worth risking the safety of the handlers, stallion, or mare and if anything feels unsafe to you, take a step back and reevaluate your process.Photos
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Teasing: The mare is safely tied in solid sided tease stocks while the stallion teases.
The approach: Communication between the stallion handler and AV handler is key!
A safe collection: Note how the AV handler’s feet are a safe distance from the stallion.