The "A.V." is the tool most commonly used for semen collection from stallions for use in artificial insemination programs, for the semen to be frozen, or for analysis.

There are many types of artificial vagina available commercially. Although there are differences, they all follow the same general design format of having a tubular inner liner, usually of latex, which is surrounded by a fillable water jacket encased in a harder outer shell. Attachable at the distal end is some form of collection apparatus to capture the ejaculated semen, this apparatus will often include a filter of some sort to remove the gel fraction of the ejaculate and any detritus such as smegma.

Probably the two most common models seen in use in North America are the Colorado and Missouri models. The Colorado model has been modified by other companies but retains a similar basic design. Each AV model has different advantages, and many technicians - and indeed stallions - may develop a preference for one or another model. Below we show AVs commonly available in the USA and list some of the advantages seen with each model:

COLORADO STYLE Various manufacturers

Retains water temperature longer in cold weather

Is more durable under extreme use

Liner is cheaper to replace when worn or damaged

If not too long, allows the stallion to ejaculate well clear of the heated liner, thereby avoiding danger of sperm damage by heat shock MISSOURI Manufactured by: NASCO and others

Is cheaper to purchase initially

Is lighter and therefore easier to handle when filled with water

Will allow for the addition of air to make the liner tighter

Allows a less direct manual stimulation of the penis, which can be preferable with some stallions FRENCH (INRA MODEL) Manufactured by: IMV Technologies

Has 2 handles (second handle not visible) making it extremely easy to handle

Holds marginally more water than the Missouri or Roanoke models, but not as much as the Colorado, making it lighter to handle, but maintaining good heat retention properties

The removable/adjustable latex hood (seen at the right end of image) enables the use of a single AV for many different size stallions

The latex hood also allows for the less direct manual stimulation of the glans of the penis during collection if required

Liner is cheaper to replace when worn or damaged BOTUPHARMA (BRAZILIAN MODEL) Manufactured by: BotuPharma

Extremely light weight - can be held with one hand

Is more durable under extreme use

Has solid handle making it extremely easy to hold

Holds marginally more water than the Missouri or Roanoke models, but not as much as the Colorado, making it lighter to handle, but maintaining good heat retention properties

Liner is cheaper to replace when worn or damaged ROANOKE Manufactured by: Roanoke AI Labs.

Extremely light weight - can be held with one hand

Allows for great bell pressure on penis glans, which is preferred by some stallions

Shortness permits manual stimulation of the upper shaft of the penis at the sensitive pressure point located close to the preputial ring

"Spit-off" pressure relief valve automatically adjusts water pressure to required level

Summary

At Equine-Reproduction.com we have used all of the above models, but generally prefer either the French or Brazilian models, as we find they are convenient in size and weight to handle, while providing rigidity and good heat retention properties.

Many farms and semen collection centers use a sterile liner in the artificial vagina. This liner is usually made of a thin plastic of some sort, and is especially useful if one is collecting semen from different stallions, as it pretty well eliminates any chance of cross-contamination of any kind, either bacterial or seminal. Even if not collecting multiple stallions, it is still extremely convenient, as it eliminates the need for removing and cleaning the latex AV liner after each use, and aside from the time savings, this will also assist in extending the length of time before the latex liner becomes worn out. Often stallion owners will advise us that some stallions do not tolerate a disposable liner, but we have found that changing the internal temperature or pressure of the AV, or switching to another brand or style of liner that may be of a different thickness or "softness" will solve this situation. Some of the sterile liners available commercially, notably those designed for use in the Missouri model AV, come with a built-in filter for gel and detritus, which can be very convenient. If one is going to be using the AV a lot however, it may be preferable to buy your liner in a straight continuous roll, and cut off the desired length at the time of use, as this will prove a lot cheaper.