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Green Alternatives in Equine Reproduction

Filed under: Health & Training |     

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From Mark Andrews of Equine Science Update:

The overreliance on plastic materials in all areas of modern life, including veterinary practice, poses a significant environmental challenge due to the pollution it generates.

Artificial insemination, a common technique in equine breeding programs, is a good example of the widespread nature of plastics in veterinary work. The procedure typically relies on disposable plastic items, such as insemination catheters and semen straws, which are essential for the collection, storage, and transfer of genetic material. However, their single-use nature contributes heavily to plastic waste.

As part of the search for sustainable solutions, Noelia González and colleagues conducted a study to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic semen straws. The study evaluated various biodegradable materials, including bamboo, avocado, grass, paper, Kraft paper, wheat, and rice, focusing on their suitability for preserving refrigerated, extended equine semen.

Among the materials tested, bamboo and avocado emerged as the most promising options. Bamboo displayed strong structural integrity, making it a durable and reliable container, However, avocado-based straws were particularly effective in maintaining sperm quality parameters, such as motility and movement kinetics, without introducing contaminants.

The research team conducted detailed assessments of the straws’ structural integrity and their ability to preserve semen quality after 24 and 96 hours of refrigeration. Both bamboo and avocado straws performed within acceptable ranges, but avocado straws yielded superior results. Additionally, microbiological control tests confirmed the absence of bacterial growth in both straw types, further supporting their potential as safe alternatives to plastic.

The findings suggest that avocado-based straws could serve as a viable alternative to plastic straws in artificial insemination procedures, offering an environmentally friendly solution without compromising the success of reproductive practices.

For more details, see:

González N, Peñalosa A, de Blas I, Gil L.

Sustainable Alternatives to the Reduction of Plastic Straws Used with Chilled Equine Semen.

Animals. (2024); 14(23):3388.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233388

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