NEWS
Professor calls for use of artificial insemination in Thoroughbreds
Posted: Thursday, March 06, 2003
English Professor Twink Allen of the Equine Fertility Unit in Newmarket on Wednesday advocated ending the worldwide ban on artificial insemination for Thoroughbreds at the Asian Racing Federation conference in New Zealand.
"AI hasn't disintegrated other equine codes such as Standardbreds, and it's an issue we can't just keep walking away from," Allen said. "It is happening by the back door anyway—300 mares a year by shuttle stallions is AI by the back door as it is using technology in much the same way. We are the laughing stock among other breeds in not even being willing to talk about it."
One concern surrounding AI is that it could dramatically increase the amount of mares going to the most high-profile stallions, which could eventually dilute the breed.
"I don't think the number of mares covered would rise above current levels," Allen said. "It's a myth that hundreds or thousands of mares would be serviced [artificially] by one stallion."
Murray Acklin, immediate past chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, said that the International Stud Book Committee does not support artificial insemination.
"Until there is a wide body of opinion among breeders that want AI, there will be no move to make regulatory changes," Acklin told delegates. "The [International Stud Book Committee's] duty is to record foalings, not the means by which they eventuate."
