![]() On ejaculation, the sperm leave the tail end of the epididymis, where they are waiting in storage, and travel up toward the pelvis along the ductus deferens (analogous to the vas deferens in humans) until they dump into the urethra (also the exit for the urinary tract) at about the level of the anus. ![]() The testes is the assembly factory for sperm, while the next-in-line epididymis is responsible for sperm maturation – eg. Veterinarians are aware of several conditions that can arise with the scrotum and testes – including infections, tumors, testicular torsions (a medical emergency that presents often as severe and sudden colic), and scrotal hernias. Stallions also have a pair of testes housed externally in the scrotum. The vets here at Springhill Equine clean any male horse who is sedated for a dental float, and check them thoroughly for any signs of cancer or other abnormalities. Tumors and other skin conditions of the penis are relatively common in horses, so regular cleaning of the dirt and skin oils (termed ‘smegma’) from the penis and sheath is important. There can be medical issues that result in the horse becoming unable to retract the penis, and can become a major problem if left externally for an extended period of time (just like they say on the Viagra commercials – 4 hours is too long!). He will externalize the penis (as one would extend a telescope) during times of sexual arousal, for urination, or during sedation/relaxation. Unlike humans, however, the male horse’s penis at rest is telescoped within itself, and is housed inside the body during the majority of the time. As with any mammal, both stallions and geldings have a penis as their external genitalia. Let’s talk more about the specifics of the male horse reproductive tract. Thoroughbred racehorses are often kept as stallions so they have the potential for a breeding career if their racing career proves successful. Some are left intact until physical characteristics develop (eg, larger size, crested neck), and are then castrated. It is not recommended for the beginner horse-person to own a stallion – usually males are only kept stallions (or ‘intact’) in situations where they will be specifically used for breeding purposes. If a stallion is castrated later in life (eg, more than 2 years of age), stallion-like and/or aggressive behaviors may persist post-castration. Geldings that are castrated before significant stallion behaviors develop, on the other hand, make wonderful companion and riding animals, and are generally more docile. With all of this said, there are many stallions out there who are considered docile and easily managed. They must be handled with a firm but cautious hand. Stallions are often housed in facilities separate from mares so no accidental breedings occur. They should be separated from females when this is observed.Ĭastration, or removal of the testes and associated structures, is commonly performed on horses, as stallions can be tricky and difficult to handle and manage. Sexual maturity is reached at about 4 years of age, but many colts will exhibit stallion-like behavior and sexual activity as early as 8 months of age. A gelding is a stallion or colt that has been castrated. A stallion is a male horse that has not been castrated and is sexually mature (vs. This week, I would like to segue into the male side – basics of management of stallions and geldings. ![]() ![]() What a week! I am exhausted just from watching the clinic staff in recent days – Springhill Equine has been in full swing for breeding season these past two weeks! In honor of that, I felt it was time we continued our discussion on horse breeding. ![]()
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