Artificial insemination (AI) on horse farms requires specialized equipment to ensure efficiency and safety. The primary tools facilitating AI are the phantom, often referred to as a collection dummy, and insemination chutes. These are crucial for both semen collection and the subsequent insemination process.
The Phantom: A Mare Substitute for Semen Collection
The phantom serves as a substitute for a mare during semen collection, eliminating the need for a live mare to be present. Once stallions are trained, they will mount the phantom to serve the artificial vagina (AV). Phantoms are essentially padded, cylindrical tubes supported by one or two pipe legs, positioned above ground.
Phantom dimensions can vary, typically ranging from 5 to 8 feet in length and 4 to 5 feet in circumference. Some farms note a disadvantage with smaller circumference phantoms, as stallions may struggle to stabilize themselves while mounted. Conversely, larger diameter phantoms might be difficult for some stallions to grasp effectively with their front legs. To address these challenges, some designs feature an increased circumference at the rear portion of the cylinder, allowing stallions to maintain grip with their front legs on a smaller diameter while their body rests on a wider section. Another modification includes a cutaway on the side or under the rear of the cylinder to better accommodate the positioning of the AV.
The construction of phantom cylinders commonly involves an 8- to 10-inch diameter metal core, made from pipe or heavy gauge sheet metal. These are supported by 3- to 4-inch pipe legs, securely anchored in the ground. The legs should be designed for adjustable height at both the front and rear, as height requirements vary among stallions. Typically, the front of the phantom is raised to about 5 feet from the ground, with the rear approximately a foot lower. Height adjustment is often achieved using an inner pipe sliding within an outer pipe, with aligned holes every 6 inches to secure the desired height with a metal pin. A set screw, typically 1/2 to 1 inch, in the lower leg provides additional stability.
The metal core and legs are covered with a substantial layer of foam padding, at least 8 to 12 inches thick, and then covered with a durable, non-abrasive material like nylon-reinforced vinyl or leather. This covering must be easily cleaned with water and disinfectant. Some phantoms are equipped with a simulated leather “mane” at the front third, which helps stallions stabilize themselves by gripping it with their teeth.
Stanchions: Versatile Structures for Farm Operations
Stanchions are multi-functional structures employed on horse farms for various tasks, including washing, grooming, injury treatment, and breeding. In the context of breeding, stanchions are utilized for teasing, washing, palpation, and examination of both stallions and mares. Safety is paramount in stanchion construction, as there is a significant potential for injury to both horses and handlers. Sharp edges and protruding elements must be avoided.
For mature horses, stanchions are typically built from 3- to 4-inch pipe frames. They generally measure about 5 1/2 to 6 feet in length, with internal widths ranging from 26 to 32 inches. The height from the top of the stanchion to the ground should be between 7 and 8 feet. The sides can feature one or more rails, or be solid metal or wood. Single-railed side bars are usually around 3 1/2 feet high, while double-railed sides are approximately 3 and 4 feet high. Solid sides are also effective. Hinged sides that swing open at the front or rear, or sliding or hinged windows, allow access to specific areas of the horse for examination. Foal stanchions, designed to house foals alongside mares, should have solid sides at least 3 feet 6 inches high to deter foals from attempting to jump out.
Rear door heights should facilitate easy palpation and insemination while being tall enough to prevent mares from kicking over the top. While preferences vary among managers regarding the clearance beneath the door and the door’s total height, the top of the door typically reaches 3 feet to 3 feet, 3 inches above the floor. A bottom door clearance of 1 to 6 inches can help protect the examiner from kicks. A front gate, reaching a height of 3 feet, 6 inches, can help contain unruly mares, though a cotton chest rope is often used as an alternative. The rope allows for adjustable positioning, enabling the mare’s hindquarters to be placed against the rear gate for procedures.
Stanchions intended for palpation and insemination require an accessible water source at the rear. Faucets and plumbing should be protected from horse traffic. Some designs incorporate plumbing along the top rear rail, with faucets positioned on the side of the rear frame, 6 to 7 feet above the floor. Small brackets or shelves at the rear of the stanchions can conveniently hold supplies like soaps and paper towels, positioned away from the horse’s movement area.
The Breeding Laboratory: A Hub for Semen Handling
The breeding laboratory is where semen collection and evaluation equipment is housed. This environment should be dust-free, clean, and conveniently located near the breeding shed. Essential amenities include hot and cold water sources, along with space for microscopes, semen incubators, and collection and insemination tools. Many farms utilize the breeding laboratory to store on-farm medication supplies that require refrigeration or controlled dispensing. An effective laboratory design often includes a window allowing observation into the breeding shed, facilitating coordination between the laboratory technician and the personnel in the shed.
