The Potential Effects of Social Interactions on Reproductive Efficiency of Stallions

A comparison of fecal steroid metabolite concentrations between harem and bachelor stallions in a free‐Ranging population of przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii)

“…This study provides defensible data that Przewalski's stallion reproductive physiology could be manipulated by social interactions to possibly increase endogenous reproductive steroid production with potential, consequent increase in sperm production and in secondary male behaviors. Artificially elevating the perceived sociosexual status of a domestic stallion by surrounding the stallion with mares has been shown to effect an increase in endogenous testosterone and, in some cases, consequent increase in exhibiting reproductive behaviors and sperm production [McDonnell, , 2000; McDonnell and Murray, ; Burger et al, ].…”

Mares Prefer the Voices of Highly Fertile Stallions

“…During their lifetime, females are not all equally receptive, older and more experienced mares are more receptive [ 28 ]. Authors have hypothesized that females’ libido and reproductive efficiency are related to the time spent in contact with a male [ 29 ]. Przewalski stallions can sometimes be rejected by mares that are dominant over them and hence fail to mate [ 30 ].…”

Freedoms and frameworks: How we think about the welfare of competition horses

“…Horses travelling long distances internationally to compete can cause (di)stress. Normal reproductive behaviours during the breeding of equine athletes are commonly prohibited by systems that employ artificial techniques, involve physical restraint of mares during covering, house mares and stallions separately , or suppress oestrus in an attempt to improve performance. Freedoms that appear to be unachievable. It seems unlikely, for example, that many athletes (animal or human) can lead a life entirely free of pain and injury, or discomfort.…”