Welcome to the breeding world – where abbreviations like AI, TAI, FAI and ET can sound like a secret code for the initiated. But don’t worry – no one is born knowing this stuff. Let’s break it down clearly and confidently.

Let’s talk plain language!

AI = Artificial Insemination.
The semen is inserted by a veterinarian – not the stallion. The semen is collected from the stallion on-site and inseminated into the mare at the same station.

TAI = Transported Semen.
Chilled semen that arrives by post.
No stallion travel – just a cool box and good timing!
TAI means that the stallion’s semen is cooled and transported to the mare’s insemination station. It must be used within 24 hours. This is the most common method in Sweden.

It gets a bit more technical now

FAI = Frozen Semen.
Requires precise timing.
Like Tinder – but with ovulation!
The semen is frozen in liquid nitrogen and thawed before insemination. Because it only survives a short time in the mare, insemination must be carefully timed, often with hormone treatment and frequent ultrasound checks.

ET = Embryo Transfer.
A fertilised egg is taken from one mare and placed into another.
The embryo is flushed from a donor mare after fertilisation and transferred into a recipient mare who carries the foal.

How do you know which to choose?

Choosing between AI, TAI, FAI or ET depends on several factors:

1. Your mare

How fertile is she? Older mares or those with fertility issues usually do best with fresh or transported semen. Younger, fertile mares are better candidates for frozen semen or ET.

2. Stallion choice

What formats is the stallion available in? Some are only offered as frozen semen (FAI), while others are available as TAI during the season.

3. Distance to insemination station

If the stallion isn’t nearby, transported or frozen semen may be more practical.

4. Budget

Each method has a different cost level:

💸 TAI – cost-effective
💸💸 FAI – requires more veterinary involvement
💸💸💸 ET – the most expensive but allows several foals per mare and season

5. Access to a recipient mare

For ET, you must have or lease a recipient mare through an insemination centre or clinic.

No question is a stupid question

We want Avla to be accessible – not just for experts.
Asking questions shows that you care. We stand for knowledge, trust, and facts – without judgment.

Sources
Jordbruksverket – Semen and Embryo Activities
SLU – Reproduction Centre for Large Animals
Merck Veterinary Manual – Breeding in Horse Reproduction