Stud Farms

Stud Medicine and Reproduction

A number of our veterinary surgeons have particular experience and expertise in equine reproduction and stud medicine and provide daily ambulatory services to local Thoroughbred stud farm clients and smaller-scale breeders. During the breeding season, this includes routine gynaecological and pregnancy examinations, mare and foal treatments, obstetric and neonatal emergencies, fertility problems and barren mare checks. All year around, we respond to requests to look after the health and welfare of all horses at stud farms, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If needed, rapid referral to our Equine Hospital can be achieved for emergency surgical or medical treatment by our team of specialists, including caesarean section, intensive care for adults, and for neonatal and older foals.

Laboratory Support

Our specialist equine pathology laboratory, Beaufort Cottage Laboratories, which is approved by the Horserace Betting Levy Board for bacteriological testing under their Codes of Practice quality assurance scheme, accept samples from our own clinicians and from other practices throughout the UK and EU.

PCR testing is available at our laboratory for CEM screening and for a range of other infections of interest to stud farm clinicians

During the breeding season and throughout the year, our laboratory processes large numbers of genital swab and smear samples from mares and swab samples from stallions for venereal disease and uterine infection screening. We provide modern real-time PCR testing for CEM screening and for a range of other infections of interest to stud farm clinicians, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus equi (strangles), Rhodococcus equi (summer pneumonia), Lawsonia intracellularis (proliferative enteritis) and Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4. We examine aborted equine foeti and their placentae for EHV-1 screening and the wider diagnosis of cause of abortion. We examine blood samples for accurate foal IgG analysis and for all other reasons, involving haematological, biochemical, endocrinological and serological tests, including specific R. equi and S. equi antibody assays.

We provide an efficient and cost-effective service, ensuring rapid turnaround of results to our own clinicians and those of other practices who send samples by referral.

Artificial Insemination, Embryo Transfer and Semen Freezing

Rossdales is approved by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) to provide artificial insemination services (AI) with chilled and frozen semen for non-Thoroughbred stud farms and individual owners of non-Thoroughbred mares. First class facilities and veterinary staff who have expertise in assisted reproduction techniques are available at Rossdales Equine Hospital for the admission of mares specifically for AI, using frozen semen, and for embryo transfer. The addition of our new semen freezing service and a dedicated laboratory at Beaufort Cottage Stables allows evaluation of the suitability of stallions for semen freezing.

Investigation of Mare and Stallion Fertility Problems

We are pleased to investigate mare and stallion fertility problems in depth. Endometrial smear and biopsy samples from mares and semen samples from stallions are assessed at our laboratory.

Foal and Yearling Inspections

We undertake routine foal and yearling inspections, often in consultation with the stud's farrier, with the ultimate aim of producing a correct, sound and healthy individual fit for sale or to enter training.

For further information on stud farm issues, please contact Sidney Ricketts, Nick Wingfield Digby, Andrew McGladdery, Fred Barrelet, Ian Cameron, Deidre Carson or Oliver Pynn.

For advice or referral to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, please contact Celia Marr, Andrew McGladdery or Emily Haggett.

For further information on our artificial insemination, embryo transfer or our semen freezing services, please contact Andrew McGladdery, Fred Barrelet or Chris Phillips.