Veterinary Management of Equine Reproduction: Xylazine/Imiprimine method of collecting semen and the benefits of this protocol for cryopreservation

Xylazine/imiprimine is one method of collecting semen and it is conducive to the cyptopreservation process. For stallions that are not able to mount, the pharmacological method may be the answer. Xylazine/imiprimine is a tricyclic antidepressants in humans. Since ejaculation was a side effect, the drug was administered to horses experimentally. It induced semen in about 40% of stallions. After the stallion is sexually stimulated, administer .3 mg/lb.  Administer to a 1000 pound horse, 1000 mg imipramine  hydrochloride orally. After about two hours administer 200 mg. xylazine IV. Ejaculations usually occur 2 minutes after administering the xylazine. Sometimes it is 15-20 minutes later. The stallion should be sedated. You should make sure he is appropriately sedated (8 inches from the floor). Attaching the collection bag onto the girth strap and injecting, then leaving him alone will normally work. He will take care of things undisturbed. Though concentrated, it is often a small volume. Its great for freezing but should be handled normally to avoid the cold shock. It is usually much more concentrated than a normal colpula ejaculation. These concentrations sometimes mean that the stallion's semen needs less treatment before it is frozen. Since this naturally freezes well, it makes it an effective form of collection for stallions who have issues with freezing their sperm or the quantity/quality of sperm. Less treatments to the semen means there is less risk to the sperm.