What is involved in artificial insemination?
Instead of the mare being bred “live cover” or “naturally” by the stallion, the semen is collected from the stallion, and introduced directly into the mare’s uterus by means of a syringe and pipette. It is usual to add a diluent in the form of a “semen extender”. This is a nutrient medium for the sperm, frequently containing an antibiotic. The nutrient will elongate the efficient life of the sperm, and the antibiotic, if added, should destroy any infective organisms present.
