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Originally Posted by Merlinsky
No I mean say the JC would register them. Just pretend the denial of AI is just lifted and it can happen. That tracks would let those horses run, etc. That we as a sport have given a big thumbs up. I guess I'm saying is there viable concern over Congress meddling in the breeding industry based on shipping a product (frozen sperm) across state lines or is that totally groundless? We're concerned about the establishment of federal control in other areas. Is this an opportunity to gain a toehold there?
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I don't see why. There is already a thriving and rather old (been around for some time) chilled horse semen industry as many other equine breeds allow it except the TB. And of course there is chilled dog, cattle, sheep, etc. semen being shipped daily across both state and international borders.
There are agricultural concerns and laws for the prevention of disease spread, but those are not of great concern.
At the seminar they were talking about this: if one jurisdiction (say NY) allowed AI, or specifically shipment of chilled semen, other states could sue to be allowed same under anti-trust regulations (infringement of free trade).
Of course, that doesn't take into effect TJC registration requirements.
Frozen sperm doesn't work well with horses, so isn't and never will be a big deal. However chilled sperm does well. The most interesting aspect, to me, is that embryo transfer allows a quality mare to have more than one foal per year (two or three). That could positively impact pedigrees. Foal sexing (filtering semen to give a greater than 90% chance one could have one's choice of a colt or filly) could be of great benefit, too.
AI certainly would allow stallions not to become exhausted by breeding 3-4 times per day (and obviously stop the risk of injury to a valuable animal)
Safer for mares, the breeding shed crew, etc. too.
The downside I see - and it's a huge one IMO - is lack of true knowledge about financial impact on the industry, both in the US and worldwide. My impression is that Europe would be willing to go for it if the US would. It would certainly change the game forever. The central KY landscape wouldn't look the same, certainly. The Arabian, Quarter Horse, sport horse, and Standardbred industries have gone before us.