Equine Reproduction Services
At PEAK VETS, we provide comprehensive equine reproduction and stud medicine services for breeders throughout Queensland. Whether you are breeding your first foal, planning a single performance foal or managing an established breeding program, our experienced veterinary team can provide personalised reproductive care from pre-breeding assessment through to pregnancy.
Our purpose-built Luccan Breeding Centre, located at 236 Munbilla Road, Kalbar, Queensland, provides a safe, professional environment for mares throughout the breeding season. Our team of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and breeding staff work closely with owners, breeders and stud farms to develop a breeding program tailored to each mare.
Our Equine Reproduction Services
- Broodmare breeding soundness examinations
- Follicle and reproductive ultrasound examinations
- Pregnancy diagnosis
- Artificial insemination with chilled and frozen semen
- Embryo transfer
- Frozen semen storage
- Semen evaluation
- Uterine flushing and treatment
- Infertility investigation and problem breeder management
- Twin pregnancy management
- Caslick procedures
- Recipient mare management
- Neonatal foal care
- Stud and on-farm reproductive services
Broodmare Management
Before breeding, we recommend a breeding soundness examination to assess the mare's reproductive health and suitability for breeding.
This includes examination of the external genitalia and internal reproductive tract using ultrasound to assess the cervix, uterus and ovaries, identify abnormalities and determine the mare's stage of her reproductive cycle.
Depending on the mare's history, additional investigations may include uterine and clitoral swabs, uterine flushing and assessment of previous fertility issues.
Please note: A suitable equine crush is required for reproductive examinations for the safety of both the mare and veterinary team. Our portable equine crush is available where required.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination (AI) allows breeders to access a wide range of stallions without transporting the mare for natural service. PEAK VETS provides AI using chilled and frozen semen, with reproductive monitoring to accurately time insemination.
The AI process
- Initial reproductive examination – Assessing the mare's reproductive health and breeding history.
- Cycle monitoring – Regular ultrasound examinations to monitor follicle development and determine the optimal breeding time.
- Semen coordination – Working with stallion owners, semen collection centres and transport providers to arrange semen delivery.
- Insemination – Timing insemination according to the semen type and the mare's ovulation.
- Post-insemination monitoring – Ultrasound to confirm ovulation and identify or manage post-breeding uterine fluid where required.
- Pregnancy diagnosis – Follow-up pregnancy scans to monitor early pregnancy.
Chilled & Frozen Semen
Chilled semen is collected, evaluated and cooled before being transported to the mare. It provides access to stallions from throughout Australia.
Frozen semen is stored in liquid nitrogen and provides access to Australian and international stallions, including genetics that may no longer be available through fresh or chilled semen.
Frozen semen requires particularly accurate timing around ovulation, making regular reproductive monitoring important.
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer (ET) involves collecting an embryo from a donor mare and transferring it into a synchronised recipient mare, which carries the pregnancy to term.
ET can allow breeders to:
- Continue breeding a valuable mare while she remains in work
- Produce multiple foals from the same mare during a breeding season
- Breed mares that may be unsuitable for carrying a pregnancy
- Maximise the reproductive potential of valuable donor mares
Our embryo transfer program includes reproductive management of both donor and recipient mares, including:
- Follicle and ovulation monitoring
- Artificial insemination of the donor mare
- Ovulation management
- Embryo flushing and evaluation
- Transfer of viable embryos
- Recipient mare synchronisation and management
- Pregnancy monitoring
Recipient Mare Management
Recipient mares play an important role in a successful embryo transfer program. Our team provides reproductive monitoring and management to ensure recipient mares are appropriately synchronised and prepared to receive an embryo.
Recipient mares can be managed at our Luccan Breeding Centre throughout the breeding and pregnancy process.
Infertility & Problem Breeders
Some mares require additional investigation or treatment due to difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.
We provide reproductive assessments for problem breeders to identify potential causes of infertility and develop an appropriate management plan. This may include ultrasound examinations, reproductive tract investigations, uterine flushing, treatment of uterine infection and hormonal management.
Planning Your Breeding Program
Successful breeding requires careful planning and timing. We recommend contacting PEAK VETS before the breeding season to discuss your mare's reproductive history, preferred stallion and semen type, and the most appropriate breeding program.
Our team can help guide you through the process from pre-breeding assessment and insemination through to pregnancy and foaling.
Contact PEAK VETS to discuss your mare's reproductive needs and plan for the upcoming breeding season.
Stud Reproduction 🏇
Our vets service the following studs:
