MARE SERVICES

Reproductive Services

Prior to breeding your mare, or purchasing a broodmare, it is wise to have a full breeding soundness exam performed. It is not uncommon for mares to have lesions in their reproductive tract which were previously undetected, which may effect her fertility or ability to carry a foal. An evaluation is especially important if a mare has a history of infertility or has had trauma to her reproductive tract from a previous foaling.

A complete breeding soundness exam includes evaluation of the conformation of the exterior reproductive tract, palpation and ultrasonography of the uterus and ovaries, vaginal speculum exam, culture, cytology and, when necessary, a biopsy of the uterus.

Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination has become common place in most breeds of horses. We can manage your mare for insemination with fresh chilled frozen semen. Many people are intimidated by the artificial insemination process, therefore we offer a complete service. Once your mare is brought to our facility, she will be managed to optimize her chances of becoming pregnant and maintaining pregnancy. We will arrange shipment of semen, evaluate it and inseminate your mare at the proper time.

Frozen semen needs to be inseminated as close to ovulation as possible. Your mare will be palpated and ultrasounded as often as four times a day to allow us to accurately predict ovulation.

Subfertile mares are intensively managed at our facility. They may need to have uterine lavages with subsequent infusions, minimal inseminations and hormonal treatments. These mares are best managed in a clinical setting, such as Leatherstocking Veterinary services.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer has become a routine service in the horse industry. Most horse owners use it for older, genetically superior mares that can no longer maintain pregnancy. It is most frequently used with competition mares so they can continue performing while having offspring.

Foaling

Leatherstocking Veterinary Services offers 24-hour on site video and Internet monitoring of the foaling process. We also utilize the Foalert system. Every foaling is attended by a veterinarian.

At birth, a neonatal physical exam is performed, the umbilicous is dipped and the foal is given an enema. The mare is observed to make sure the placenta is passed. Once passed, it is checked for any abnormalties.

An IgG test is performed on the foal at 12-18 hours post-foaling to ensure adequate antibody transfer. If the test yields a failure of transfer, the foal is then administered plasma. Mares and foals typically stay in our monitored foaling area for 3-6 days.

STALLION SERVICES

A full range of stallion services are offered including breeding soundness and problem breeder exams, phantom training, collection and shipment of fresh chilled, as well as preparation of frozen semen.

Fresh Chilled Semen

LVS is fully equipped to collect, process and ship fresh chilled semen. Each collection is evaluated for density, motility and morphology before being shipped to the end user. Each incoming shipment is also evaluated at the time of insemination. Your stallion is handled by our dedicated professionals during the entire process.

Frozen Semen

LVS can evaluate your stallion for suitability for frozen semen. A variety of extenders are used on each stallion in order to make a determination. LVS is an approved export center for frozen semen to the EU and Australia/New Zealand. Check with us to determine the regulations which your stallion must meet for export. We can ship your semen in our approved containers anywhere in the country.

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