Stallions have a difficult job. Producing viable sperm requires that a stallion is in top shape at all times. Some stallions have tremendous production expectations placed on them during peak breeding season. Considering it takes sperm approximately 60 days to mature before it’s ready for ejaculation, this means that even before breeding season begins they must be receiving adequate nutrition and have a low-stress environment.
Even a minor illness or stressful event can have an effect on his sperm’s viability, resulting in low sperm counts or even infertile sperm with poor morphology. They also must be handled carefully — rough handling, isolation or confinement (resulting in boredom) and environmental, nutritional, or social stress can all have a negative impact on sperm production and quality.
Single-hemisphere studs get an average of 6 to 7 months of “down time” to recover before breeding season begins again. In the case of stallions standing at stud for both hemispheres, they may only get a few weeks between the two seasons. A stud that stands in both hemispheres produces semen for an average of 11 months a year. This may not seem like a major issue, however, like mares, stallions have fertility cycles that change with the seasons.
Stallions experience a natural decline in sperm count in the fall and winter months — in fact, a decrease of approximately 50%. Because they are experiencing not only a lower drive to breed but also a lower sperm count, the year-round stud is put under a great deal of physical and mental stress. At this time it’s vital that facility managers don’t overburden him and ensure that he is receiving (and able to assimilate) the needed nutrients to continue working under these stressful conditions.
