[deltawave]

Let's say one had come across the sire of some really nice horses, who is aged (age mid 20s) and has had fertility problems--low sperm count and motility.

Let's say one had the chance to take this stallion in for a season and wanted one last chance to put him to some mares, because the offspring he has produced have been special.

Let's say the horse is otherwise healthy but has not had any special looking after beyond the basics.

Where would one start, to make the best possible effort to return the stallion to fertility, if not for live cover then at least for AI or possibly frozen semen? Obviously great nutrition (that's easy), a thorough vet check (easy), deworm, teeth, shots, get the feet cleaned up, a little exercise, make sure he's not stressed by a move or has time to recover, etc. All totally do-able.

Is there anything in particular in terms of testing or treatments: medications, special feed products or types of feeds that are shown to be useful in restoring or enhancing stallion fertility? I'm--errr, SOMEONE would even be willing to consider stuff that's a little bit "out there" if it's SAFE and has even basic logic behind it (no crystals or incantations, please) because this stallion is pretty awesome and it's sort of a "now or never" thing with him.

TIA!

[Dr. Doolittle]

I KNEW I would "live to see the day"!!



HA!

I've officially died and gone to heaven...

I used this when my mare was having fluid clearance issues after being inseminated:

http://rainbowequus.com/immunall-usa/

Many people swear by it, both for mares *and* stallions, and it couldn't possibly hurt. Right?? Man, I'm enjoying this...And my guess is that you're betting that NO ONE will ever find this thread--unless they stalk you on COTH

IOW, your secret is safe with me (and BEST of luck with Bonnie--how exciting!)

[Marla 100]

I highly recommend the book, "the Stallion- A Breeding Guide for Owners and Managers" by Dr. James P. McCall. He's managed over 400 stallions over 30+ yrs.
At the time I used this book, I was working on a Breeding Farm and we had a well bred, valuable stud who had fertility problems.

I was impressed with the suggestions presented in the book, some of which were additional supplementation geared specifically toward fertility, much more than simple nutrition.

I just checked and the book is available through Amazon- new hard cover @24.95 and one used hardcover for $7.16 + shipping.

[deltawave]

Thank you! I have heard of Immunall and have about it many a time, but perhaps they have more data by now. And perhaps since this all hypothetical anyway one need not be so darn skeptical. One might say that gambling makes one more willing to abandon caution. A book is a great idea and I'm grateful for the tip.

[DownYonder]

Second the recommendation for Immunall - my cousin used it when he acquired an aging QH stallion with fertility issues, and the stallion settled a fair number of his mares the following year. He was also consulting with vets at Hagyard, and was told that green grass and sunshine, and proximity to mares sometimes help stimulate an older stallion's system.

[Laurierace]

Not often you see so many of us in agreement! I was going to suggest Immunall too.