Stallion Fertility and Semen Quality Assessment
Summary
Stallion fertility underpins both the sustainability of equine breeding programmes and the success of artificial insemination strategies worldwide. Semen quality assessment encompasses a suite of evaluations that characterise ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total count, motility patterns, morphology and viability, as well as seminal plasma composition and DNA integrity. These parameters are influenced by intrinsic factors such as age, genetics and endocrine status, and by extrinsic factors including photoperiod, climate, nutrition and exercise regimen. Advances in analytical techniques—from computer-assisted semen analysis to flow cytometry and proteomic profiling—have enriched our understanding of the molecular and cellular determinants of stallion fertility. A rigorous and standardised approach to semen examination not only enhances breeding efficiency but also informs veterinary interventions, supports genetic conservation efforts and contributes to the economic vitality of the equine industry.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have illuminated the role of kallikrein proteoforms in the seasonal modulation of stallion reproductive function. Analyses of seminal plasma proteomes over the breeding and non-breeding seasons revealed distinct profiles of kallikrein isoforms that coincide with variations in sperm motility, semen volume and metabolic markers. The findings suggest that activation of the kallikrein–kinin system, with consequent vasodilatory effects, may underlie the observed decline in motility during periods of heightened secretion. Such insights open avenues for targeted management of breeding schedules and for the development of biomarkers that predict seasonal fertility fluctuations in stallions.
Stallion Fertility and Semen Quality Assessment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in stallion fertility and semen quality assessment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Seminal plasma: The fluid fraction of ejaculate containing proteins, enzymes and signalling molecules that support sperm function and survival.
Proteoform: A distinct molecular variant of a protein arising from genetic variation, alternative splicing or post-translational modification.
Progressive motility: The proportion of spermatozoa moving actively forward, an indicator of fertilising potential.
Cryopreservation: The process of freezing semen at very low temperatures to preserve sperm viability for future artificial insemination.
Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA): An automated system that quantifies sperm kinematics and concentration with enhanced repeatability and objectivity.
References
- Kallikrein proteoforms and reproductive parameters in stallion are conditioned by climate. Scientific Reports (2022).
- Sperm Quality Assessment in Stallions: How to Choose Relevant Assays to Answer Clinical Questions. Animals (2023).
- Efficiency of Semen Cryopreservation in Stallions. Animals (2020).
- Seasonal variations in quantitative and qualitative sperm characteristics in fertile and subfertile stallions. Archives Animal Breeding (2020).
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