Evaluating the Stallion: What Does the Practitioner Need to Know?

Veterinary evaluation of stallions for breeding soundness can be an extensive and timeconsuming process. The extent of the evaluation will be dependent on the criteria required by the party that retains the services the veterinarian. Requests received for this service are quite diverse, and can vary from that of insurance companies contemplating issuance of first-year congenital infertility insurance for a stallion currently situated at a racetrack, to pre-purchase evaluation of a stallion, with or without, previous breeding experience, to preseason evaluation of mating ability and semen quality of breeding stallions. Regardless of the request, a fundamental aspect of the breeding soundness evaluation is attainment of an accurate history regarding any prior breeding results, previous breeding-soundness examinations, prior use(s), dietary intake, vaccination status, medications, and illnesses. Acquisition of such information may seem mundane, but this information can become an invaluable aid when attempting to forecast the potential fertility of a stallion. In addition, the intended purpose of the breeding stallion should be determined. For instance, one should determine if the intended sire will be used for natural service or artificial insemination, or whether dual hemisphere breeding is being contemplated. Expectations regarding size of mare book should also be provided, and any intentions to inseminate mares with cool-transported or frozen-thawed semen should be disclosed. […]