LE3 .A278 2009

2009

Snyder, Marlene

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Horses have had a major impact on humans across the globe. They have helped us travel faster and farther and are now important in entertainment and sport. Since wild horses were caught and domesticated, humans have artificially bred them to be faster, stronger, smaller, and larger. Today, there are hundreds of variations of horses. The horse industry provides many jobs and has an impact on the global economy. Research and development has lead to technological advances ranging from improvements in racing surfaces, equipment, care and breeding. Artificial insemination has been developed in the last half century and is commonly practiced today. An examination of the biological procedures involved has shown that it is a controlled method of breeding, reducing the problems associated with contaminated semen. It also prevents dangerous accidents between stallions and mares. Some believe that it is a safer, more carefully controlled method for breeding, but artificial insemination still raises controversy. While most equestrian sports allow and encourage artificial insemination as a method of breeding, the most disproportionately lucrative equestrian industry, thoroughbred racing, does not allow artificial insemination in any of its competitors. Despite difficulty in obtaining objective data, the analysis presented here suggests that there are no negative affects of artificial insemination. However, recent advances in technology and differences in sport are a few factors that complicate this conclusion.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:582