Factors Influencing the Ai Success Rate with Fresh Semen in Tunisian Arab Mares

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of time interval between semen collection and artificial insemination (AI) and the number of spermatozoa in AI doses, on the AI success rate in Tunisian Arabian mares. A total of 79 AI with fresh semen was used on 56 mares (age 4-9 years, n = 34; age 10-20 years, n = 22). The AI success rate was defined as the number of pregnant mares divided by the number of inseminated mares and it was determined for the time intervals: 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 minutes after semen collection. Doses of AI containing 2 or 3 billions of spermatozoa with fresh raw semen (n = 34), or with fresh semen extended with a semi skimmed milk (n = 45) were used. The AI success rate was determined with the raw and the extended fresh semen. Results showed that the AI success rate decreased with the time interval (p < 0.05). There was no difference between AI success rates founded in raw and extended semen with the AI doses of 2 or 3 billions of spermatozoa. This study showed that the AI success rate was affected by the time interval between semen collection and AI. It was recommend to practice AI in Arab mares with fresh semen in the time interval 0-10 after semen collection.