Reproduction & Stud Work - Vetscape Animal Hospital

Equine Reproduction & Stud Work

Our equine reproduction veterinarians offer advanced services to stud farms and privately owned horses. Our team covers large distances to tend to the needs of equine breeding facilities across the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas.

Equine Care

Expert Reproductive Services

Dr Niel Moelich and Dr John Hodsdon perform a range of procedures for mares and stallions. At Vetscape, we enhance reproductive efficiency with techniques like semen cryopreservation, low-dose insemination, and embryo transfer. These procedures are aimed at ensuring an ideal reproductive environment to maximise the chance of successful fertilisation.

Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination is performed using fresh chilled semen or frozen semen. Mares’ cycles are closely monitored to ensure that they are inseminated at the optimal time to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Semen Options

Cycle Monitoring

Increased Pregnancy Chances

Stallion Breeding Soundness Assessment

This process involves a thorough clinical examination of the stallion, a testicular examination, an assessment of his external genitalia and checking his semen quality (volume, motility and concentration). Blood samples are taken to test for Dourine and swab samples are taken to test for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).

Comprehensive Examination

Semen Quality Analysis

Disease Testing

Mare Breeding Soundness Assessment

A thorough clinical examination, assessment of her external genitalia, transrectal ultrasound of the reproductive tract (ovaries and uterus) and an assessment of her caslicks index is performed. Further diagnostics (uterine swabs for cytology and culture and/or endometrial biopsies) can be performed if indicated. Blood samples are taken to test for Dourine and swab samples are taken to test for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).

Thorough Examination

Diagnostic Tests

Disease Screening

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer allows competing mares to pass on their genetics without carrying a pregnancy. This process involves inseminating a donor mare, flushing the embryo early, and transferring it to a surrogate mare. The cycles of both mares are closely monitored and synchronised to maximise the chances of a successful transfer.

Genetic Advantage

Intricate Process

Cycle Synchronisation

Semen Collection & Fresh Chilled Semen Transport

Our hospital is equipped with facilities that allow our vets to collect and evaluate semen from your stallion. This can either be used for insemination of a mare at Vetscape or frozen and stored for future use either locally or internationally.

Collection and Evaluation

Fresh Chilled Semen

Frozen Semen

Problem Mares

Is your mare always in season or displaying abnormal stallion-like behaviour? Or are you struggling to get your mare in foal? There may be a medical reason. Our reproduction team can help identify the issue, give you a prognosis and tailor a treatment plan for your mare’s specific needs.

Behavioural and Fertility Issues

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Tailored Treatment Plans

Thoroughbred Breeding

Effective mare breeding management requires a coordinated effort involving several key steps to ensure successful conception. At Vetscape, our veterinarians are deeply involved in this intricate process, working closely with stud farms to optimise breeding outcomes.

Comprehensive Care

Customised Packages

Dedicated Support

Foal Health Checks

From birth to weaning, foals undergo many changes and face environmental pathogens that can cause disease. Regular monitoring of appetite, habitus, gait, faecal output and temperature is crucial. Early detection through health checks ensures timely treatment. Vaccinations and proper deworming plans are essential, with faecal worm egg counts at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to guide deworming needs.

Early Disease Detection

Vaccinations and Deworming

Twice-Daily Monitoring

Foal Lung Scans

Rhodococcus equi (and other pathogens like Streptococci spp.) can cause pneumonia in foals. Thoracic ultrasounds can be used to screen for lesions on the foal’s lungs. Early detection and close monitoring of lesions is important for our veterinarians to assess whether treatment is needed.

Early Detection

Severe Pneumonia Management

Convenient Scanning

Mare breeding services

At Vetscape, we offer a range of mare breeding services designed to support your breeding program with care and expertise. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised and effective care for your mares, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Insemination & Pregnancy Management

Reproductive Surgery & Uterine Health

Stallion breeding services

Ensuring the reproductive success and health of your stallion is our top priority at Vetscape. We offer a range of specialised services tailored to meet the unique needs of each stallion, utilising advanced techniques and thorough evaluations to optimise breeding outcomes.

Comprehensive Breeding Soundness Evaluation

Advanced Semen Collection & Processing

Targeted Training & Reproductive Issue Management

Our Equine Reproductive Team

Dr. Niel Moelich

Equine Veterinarian | BVSc

Dr Niel qualified in 2002 at Onderstepoort University of Pretoria. He joined the EmbryoPlus Team, specialising in semen freezing, embryo flushing and transfers. He then went abroad, gaining experience in general equine disciplines. He returned to South Africa in 2007, being involved in racehorse work and equine reproduction and wildlife. Dr Niel is currently one of our senior equine veterinarians primarily focusing on reproduction.

Specialties: Reproduction, Dentistry

Dr. John Hodgson

Equine Veterinarian | BVSc, CertAVP(ESM)

Dr John qualified in 2003 at Onderstepoort University. He began his career in the UK, gaining experience in various equine disciplines. After returning to South Africa, he worked in the KZN Midlands, focusing on equine reproduction. For many years, Dr John worked across New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa, specialising in back-to-back breeding seasons. He has joined the equine team, with his primary focus being reproduction.

Specialties: Reproduction, Ambulatory

GET IN TOUCH WITH A MEMBER OF OUR CARING, SPECIALISED TEAM

For more information about our equine services, please feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with inquiries and the booking of appointments.

Contact Equine Team

Other Equine Services

First Opinion / Ambulatory

Equine Specialist Services

Equine Specialist Surgery

Equine Internal Medicine

Equine Ophthalmology

Innovation, Excellence, Dedication

Vetscape Animal Hospital was established in 2019 and we have meticulously grown our facilities and specialist teams to today’s mixed practice serving both equines and small animals. Developed with a commitment to medical excellence, our state-of-the-art facility offers specialised services and cutting-edge treatments to meet the diverse needs of our animal patients.