What can I give to calm this stallion down?

Introduction

The expression of overt sexual behaviour outside of a breeding environment is often undesirable particularly in competition stallions. Clinicians are frequently asked to advise owners on methods of moderating sexual behaviour. Treatments most commonly used affect the hypothalamus–pituitary gland–testicle pathway and include amongst others; progestagens, gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) immunisation, GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist. Other treatments are anecdotally used, e.g. depot progestagens, tranquillisers (acepromazine, reserpine); however, either side-effects or absence of efficacy studies makes their use questionable or contraindicated [1]. As such, what are the options to suppress stallion behaviour in the competing animal?

Search method

A literature search using PubMed, University of Liverpool electronic library and IVIS was performed relating to studies for the ‘control of stallion sexual behaviour’.

Quantity of evidence

Nine papers were selected relating to the question. There were 6 randomised controlled studies, 2 ‘one group pre test/post test’ and one case study […]