Standing Semen Collection

Collection of semen from the stallion may be performed by use of an artificial vagina (AV) with the stallion mounting a jump mare, mounting a phantom, or by having him stand on all four limbs on the ground (ground collection). Ground collection is advantageous for stallions that have musculoskeletal issues that prevent them from mounting a mare or phantom. In addition, stallions without any medical issues may be taught to ground collect so as to avoid the cost associated with purchasing a phantom or to remove issues with having to find a proper jump mare. Most stallions can be trained for ground collection, but it requires multiple training sessions to reinforce the behavior. This chapter discusses the technique for semen collection with illustrations, and outlines the equipment and suppliers needed for this purpose. It also highlights the remedial actions needed to be taken if the stallion does not ejaculate.