This paper reports the use of a procedure for collection of semen from stallions by manual stimulation of the penis while the stallion is standing. Our use of this method with 18 stallions of various ages and types of semen collection experience indicates that this method may be an efficient alternative to traditional semen collection techniques using an artificial vagina and stimulus mare or dummy mount mare. Our observations, together with those of others who have tried the manual technique, suggest that both animals and handlers can be readily trained to use this method. Limited data suggests that semen samples obtained by manual stimulation are similar to those obtained using an artificial vagina. The authors wish to thank Drs. Kenny and Sue M. A number of methods, including condom, vaginal sponge and artificial vagina, have been employed for collection of semen from stallions 1. Currently, the most widely recommended technique is the artificial vagina with a mare or dummy mount. Successful collection of semen using an artificial vagina with the stallion standing on the ground was recently reported 2. Since , we have employed an even simpler method of collecting semen from the stallion using manual stimulation of the penis, and holding a disposable plastic bag over the end of the penis to catch the ejaculate.


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INTRODUCTION
In consecutive ejaculates, the number of sperm decreases as shown in the graph. This observation is also true for a single ejaculate collected on each of consecutive days however in this case the number of sperm ejaculated will eventually stabilize to the daily sperm output at around 7 days. This is shown in the graph below. The question thus arises as to how often should a stallion be ejaculated? The remaining discussion will assume the stallion has a normal testicular size scrotal width for his age as previously discussed.
Chemical Ejaculation in Horse Breeding
A year-old American Quarter Horse stallion was brought into the clinic with a history of penile dysfunction secondary to an acute case of severe colic and profuse hemorrhagic diarrhea. The owner wanted to determine if the horse could still be used as a breeding stallion. The stallion was presented to a mare in estrus, and he displayed excellent libido. However, it was immediately apparent that he had lost erectile function of his penis, as well as sensitivity to both the glans and shaft of the penis.
Semen is collected from stallions as part of breeding soundness exams, as well as for artificial insemination. Semen collected for insemination can be used fresh, cooled and shipped to another location, or stored frozen for use in the future. Use of an artificial vagina is far and away the most common method for collecting semen from stallions. The AV used with stallions is similar to that used for species such as bulls, except larger. The image below shows a popular design of a stallion AV disassembled. Due to the large ejaculate volume, a collection bottle is used instead of a tube. The blue cone next to the AV is not a special hat worn by the semen colletor; rather it is an insulating cone that is placed over the end of the AV to shield the semen collection bottle from thermal shock.