Cytogenetic Evaluation of the Stallion

A normal chromosome complement is essential for normal fertility. Chromosome aberrations – numerical or structural – may lead to a range of deformities and defects that can be physical and/or physiological. Irrespectively, aberrations result in complete loss of fertility or reduced fertility in stallions. They lead to the production of abnormal gametes that contribute to early embryonic deaths. Moreover, viable offspring from such gametes may carry the same chromosomal abnormality and have similar fertility problems. Economic losses incurred due to reduced stallion fertility or infertility is huge. Cytogenetic analysis is a simple and straightforward approach to ensure that the animals have a normal chromosome complement. To protect the economic interests of horse owners, breeders, prospective buyers, insurance companies, etc., the equine industry is strongly encouraged to mandate cytogenetic analysis of all breeding animals at an early age. The relatively inexpensive practice will also prevent the spread of chromosome aberrations as is expected from the progenies of the A P Valentine – a fairly successfully horse on the race track – and similar other carriers of abnormalities.