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I have a breeding problem with my
13-year-old Quarter Horse stallion. He has tremendous bloodlines. He has
four or five foals on the ground, so I know that he is not infertile.
But recently I leased him to a friend out of state to use. He covered
five mares while he was there, but was not an eager breeder. I have him
home now, and he is showing little or no signs of libido with my mare,
which is in full-blown heat. She is giving all indications that the time
is right, but he has no interest. He won't even "talk" to her.
What can I do or try? I had tried to breed a friend's mare in July when
I got him home, but the mare was already out of heat. But he showed no
interest in her as well. So while I don't want my mare bred now, I would
like to see the proper stallion response to estrus so I will be prepared
for the 2001 season.
Eileen
It sounds like your stallion might be
what is known as a shy breeder. You know he breeds, but not as
enthusiastically and as indiscriminately as many stallions will. I would
not worry at all that he showed no interest in the July mare--the one
that was already out of heat. Though it is unusual, you could argue that
stallions that ignore such mares are just "smarter" than most
stallions. I have known many highly efficient and fertile stallions
which seemed to waste no time on a mare which wasn't just about to
ovulate. So even when we think the mare is ready to breed, maybe the
stallion is better able to tell the best time to breed.
At this point, there are a few things
you can do before the breeding season. First, it would be wise to rule
out any major physical or medical problems that might be a cause of low
libido. The best way to do that is to have a breeding soundness
examination done by a veterinarian who specializes in equine
reproduction. To find a specialist, you can ask your veterinarian. (For
more information on the breeding soundness exam, see "Shed
Ready?" in the March 2000 issue of The Horse, or http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.asp?fid=3040&dpt=36.)
This exam involves a review of the
stallion's general health and breeding history, if available. Try to
find out as much as you can about the temperament and training of the
horse. It is not uncommon for Quarter Horses to be given specific
training to be quiet around mares and be punished for normal spontaneous
erections. This can make them reluctant to show normal stallion response
when you ask them to breed. You also might want to find out as much as
you can about his sire's breeding behavior. There are some lines of
quiet, cautious breeders. Your veterinarian will factor all that
information into the evaluation.
The breeding soundness examination also
includes a physical examination, both of the stallion in general and
particularly of the reproductive organs. Examples of things that can
subdue libido are poor musculoskeletal fitness, obesity, or anything
that can be painful during breeding. The genital organs are examined
very carefully for any signs of injury or disease. The testicles produce
hormones that drive libido, so the veterinarian will be evaluating their
size and texture as a clue to whether the stallion is producing normal
hormones.
The breeding soundness examination also
involves evaluation of breeding behavior during a semen collection
session, as well as a detailed evaluation of semen (if a sample can be
obtained). Depending on behavior and semen quality, blood might be drawn
for evaluation of hormones, or further tests might be done. The
veterinarian will put the findings all together and advise you on any
issues to consider or address. If behavior is a serious problem during
the examination, there are further, more detailed evaluations that can
be done.
Another thing you can do is to give your
stallion plenty of exposure to mares. Exposure to mares promotes
reproductive function, while isolation from mares and exposure to other
stallions generally suppresses sexual behavior and other aspects of
reproductive function. If you can safely put your stallion in a stall or
paddock next to one or more cycling mares, it likely will benefit him a
great deal. Most quiet stallions will gain confidence and begin to
express normal sexual behavior.
A new environment can intimidate some
stallions, so letting him tease freely will help him overcome that, if
it is a factor. Also, you can pay close attention to his response to
mares, to see if anything in particular "turns him on or off."
Keep a diary of what he does--it might become useful in figuring him
out.
Sometimes you'll find that the stallion
is interested in the mare next door until he sees people coming. This is
a clue that he might have been discouraged in the past for showing
interest. If that seems to be the case, you can just stand quietly at a
distance and gradually get closer and reassure him that he is doing
nothing wrong.
Handling of the stallion in the breeding
shed and in general around the farm is very important to libido,
particularly for stallions which tend to be shy. As a beginning breeder,
it might be useful for you to visit a few breeding farms to get some
ideas on variation in stallion behavior and tips on handling quiet
stallions. There are some excellent farms that allow observation of
their breeding sessions. You can also get some guidance through your
local extension horse specialist, or nearest veterinary school.
You also can look for breeders' courses.
Some universities and larger veterinary clinics, and even some larger
farms around the country, hold clinics and short courses for breeders
and managers of stallions.
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