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Preservation Breeding and Frozen Semen
by W.
H. (Howard) Patton © 1996
(Reprinted by permission from the
Southern California CMK News, Summer 1996)
Now that semen can be
frozen and stored for an indefinite time, we have a way of extending the
genetic life of our CMK stallions. I sometimes hear breeders talk about
the cost of stored/transported semen and complain that it only helps the
large breeders. If we look at the big picture, it may not turn out to be
as costly as it seems at first. From the mare owner's point of view, we
need to consider the cost of transportation and board for the mare
compared to the cost of transporting semen plus the cost of veterinary work involved.
When we make this comparison, transported semen may turn
out to be the least costly way. Also, most of us are reluctant to ship our
rare, old CMK mares long distances for fear of accidents, etc.
Now looking from the
stallion owner's viewpoint, it is a fairly expensive proposition. However,
when we again look at the total cost over the long haul, it begins to look
better since the cost of storing semen is much less than maintaining a
stallion. I'm not suggesting that any old stallions be destroyed. This
should be looked at like a kind of genetic insurance and the stallions can
be used with live cover when it is more convenient. The permit required by
The Registry is now $350.00 for a permanent permit compared to the old
rules when it cost $200.00 for one year. If we spread this $350.00 over
several years, it is much less per year than it was formerly.
When the Arabian
organizations (IAHA or The Registry) come out with some new scheme, it
usually is detrimental to preservation breeding. In my opinion, this is
one time The Registry has done something that helps preservation breeding.
(Editor's note:
Summer, 1996): Howard Patton lives in Ramona and is managing editor of this newsletter. He stands the stallion AUR SULLA at public stud. He worked to
have the stallion's semen tested and frozen, and was able to get five good
straws before the stallion injured his hock. This sad and ironic turn of
events should give all preservation breeders something to think about.
Thank you Howard for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Did you
readers know that Howard Patton's farm name of AL NAJIB when translated
from the Arabic means "The Noble"? Now isn't that a most
appropriately chosen name for a home of our proud and noble breed! ~spm
(Editor's
note: Winter, 2003-2004): Update! In 2003, IAHA and The Registry
combined forces and merged into one organization: The
Arabian Horse Association. ~spm
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