Questionnaire-Based Investigation into Stallion Management Practices in 28 Countries.

BACKGROUND: Modern stud farm practices may limit stallion social contact, with potential welfare and safety implications. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To describe housing, management and safety outcomes for stallions kept at horse breeding operations throughout the world and to assess regional differences. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed via mailing lists and WhatsApp; 116 complete responses from breeding operations were collected and analysed. The focus was on management of the breeding facility, and stallion welfare indicated by management, handling and housing. RESULTS: Respondents were from Europe (40.5%), Latin America (36.2%), North America (12.9%,), Asia/Oceania (5.2%,) and the Middle East (5.2%). Of the breeding operations, 30% focused on semen collection, 2% on embryo production, and 50% on both. Stallions had access to paddock or pasture with ≥1 h/day in 85.3% and never in 14.7% of the operations. In-barn contact for stallions was visual only in 63.8% and visual plus tactile in 25.9% of centers. Accidents during semen collection were reported by 27.6% of respondents. There was interest in further improving stallion welfare by changing management and housing stated by 34.5% of breeding operations. CONCLUSION: Broadly similar stallion management practices were identified. Many breeding operations worldwide are aware of the welfare and safety-related challenges associated with stallion handling and housing, but some still fail to meet basic equine needs.