Phantom Training and Semen Collection

The introduction of the young stallion to breeding duties forms the foundation for his future at stud. It is around this belief and the extensive experience that we have gained in working and training young stallions that we have structured our phantom training philosophy. Tonney is trained and committed to making the novice stallion’s training experience as simple and as positive as possible. The result should be a well-disciplined stallion that is easy to handle and who understands what is expected of him.

Some stallions will learn very quickly whereas others require several training sessions. It is for this reason that we allow individual stallions to dictate the time they need. The training process takes place at Shakeem Arabians in the Mooiplaats area of Pretoria, where our team is experienced in working with stallions. Our phantom mare is located in a secure area with minimal distractions.

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Fresh Semen Insemination

For mares being bred, a Sonar examination determines her optimal breeding time. Thereafter semen is collected on site on a phantom mare and the mare is inseminated immediately after a semen evaluation to determine the correct semen dose. Under certain conditions the semen is extended with an appropriate extender to increase its viability, minimise infection and optimise conception in the mare. This creates an informed, efficient and cost-effective method of breeding.

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Chilled, Transported Semen

The use of chilled semen has increased the number of mares that can be bred to any individual stallion while eliminating the need to transport the mare long distances for natural breeding. We will organise and coordinate all details for the shipping of the semen to the mare anywhere in South Africa. The mare owner is responsible for any costs incurred. It is an essential pre-requisite that the mare owner advises us of the need for chilled semen at least 24 hours (we prefer 48h) in advance of the predicted time of collection for AI in order to ensure an efficient service.

 

Insemination with Frozen Semen

Frozen semen AI requires considerable veterinary input and frequent ultrasound examinations to ensure optimal timing of insemination to coincide as closely as possible to the time of ovulation. This very small window of opportunity is due to a combination of factors: mares have a relatively long oestrus period and it is difficult to predict ovulation precisely and the longevity of thawed frozen semen is extremely short. The fertility rate with frozen semen is usually lower than with fresh semen and can vary from 0 – 75% per cycle. This has a direct bearing on the costs per pregnancy, which will invariably be higher than with natural breeding or insemination with fresh or chilled semen.