Current Techniques for Evaluation of Stallion Fertility

Although the most accurate test of a stallion's fertility is to determine pregnancy rates in bred mares, time and financial limitations usually render this option impractical. Thus, there is a need for reliable, practical tests that can prospectively determine the potential fertility of a stallion. In this regard, a number of assays have been developed that are designed to prospectively assay a stallion's breeding potential for relatively small investments of time and money. The most widely used tests are those that comprise the Society for Theriogenology's Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE). However, new tests have emerged that complement the BSE and may improve the veterinarian's ability to address the demands placed on today's breeding stallions. This article will review the components of the standard BSE and will detail additional assays that have been proven or suggested to add additional information to the core tests that comprise the BSE.