Artificial insemination (AI) technique involves collection of semen usually from a superior male and transfer of that semen into a sexually receptive female at a suitable time to facilitate successful fertilization. This technique is widely used in equines worldwide for rapid genetic improvement. AI is usually performed either with fresh semen, chilled or frozen semen. Equine owners may consider this method of breeding,

• Faster genetic improvement can be achieved through AI for using superior genetic material and with introduction of new genetic material.
• Number of mares covered per stallion increases in a season, thus making valuable stallions available to the ordinary mare owner. Risk of injury during transport or breeding is almost nil with AI.
• Mares suffering from skeletal abnormalities or weaknesses, laminitis etc or with nervous temperament can be bred using AI to overcome limitations for use of natural service.
• Mares with heightened immunological response to spermatozoa and that shows some degree of endometritis post coital can be benefited with smaller doses of spermatozoa used in AI than would normally be ejaculated at natural service.
• It encourages routine examination of mare’s reproductive tract.
• Avoiding direct contact between the mare and the stallion removes risk of injury and disease transmission.
• Semen collection and its evaluation prior to AI allowsquick detection of problems for immediate remedial measures.
• Addition of antibiotics to semen extenders reduces chances of venereal disease transmission compared to natural service.
• Reproductive potential of sub-fertile stallions can be enhanced by treatment of semen for concentration, addition of supportive and protective factors for spermatozoa.
• Extension of stallion’s breeding season is possible by using frozen semen during non-breeding season.
• Comparatively reducesthe cost of semen transportation, with no geographical barrier and avoids hazardous movement of horse/mare.
• Provides assistance for preservation of rare breeds by reintroduction of stored semen from such breeds i.e. ex situ