AI-sperm of the stallion: evaluation criteria and minimal standards - a survey

Evaluation of biological semen quality in stallions is based on analysis of sperm-motility, -morphology, -function and seminalplasma constituents. Met hods are listed and discussed in relation to semen preservation techniques and stallion fertility. Minimal standards of stallion A.l.sperm regarding t he mainly limiting factors - preservation techniques, sperm dose, frequency , timing and method of A.I. - ore demonstrated. Sperm dose for liquid stall ion semen transfered during the day of collection should not fall short of than 300 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa; in the case of chilled transported sem en - used 24-36 hours after semen collection - the double dose is recommend ed. In the case of frozen equine semen good laboratory practice should be a sperm dose of a total of 800 x 10(6) spermatozoa with a postthaw motility of at least 35%.