I'm interesting in knowing if there have been any studies done involving a large number of mares covered (NOT AI/Live Cover Only), and how it may correlate to the quality of the semen, quality of the resulting foal?
Does the semen suffer if the stallion is 'over-used'? This is strictly speaking in terms of the Thoroughbred industry.
There is presently an ongoing discussion on another forum giving the stats of mares covered per stallion(s) and the possibilities of the quality of the semen after repeated live covers.
It is my understanding that the quantity may be reduced by 'over use', but the quality is not effected.
Therefore I would assume the resulting foal would not be a problem, but achieving pregnancy might.
Not being an expert myself, I can't back this up, but I have seen many foals by stallions that are used three to four times a day, and can't say any of them looked less than they should be for reasons that couldn't be attributed to the mare.
Having said that, I'm not sure how many covers per day would be considered over use.
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