Castration of federal stallions causes resentment

There is a lot of air between the Swiss national stud and the breeders of the famous Freiberg horses. Because the Sparhammer does not stop at the federal states.

The federal government’s austerity measures also take the stallions of the Swiss national stud in Avenches. In order to reduce costs, the number of federal stallions should shrink – from originally around 60 to 45 animals by 2030.

For the Freiberg horses with the sounding names like Don Adonis or Netflix de Wallenried, this means that they are on the ground. The stallions, the sperm of which is the least in demand in breeding, are neutered and then sold. First of all, Historique (« beautiful head », « a lot of thrust out of the hindquarters », it says in his description) and Caran d’Ache du Clos Virat (whose « tactful trot » emphasizes the federal government) for reasons of economy.

Breeder: « That doesn’t work! »

Breeders are outraged by the federal government, like the « Bauernzeitung » reported. Bruno Spring, who has been breeding Freiberg for almost 35 years, has their say in it and is an as President of an interest group that is committed to maintaining the original Freibergerrasse.

He was still « crazy », says Spring when Ch Media reaches him on the cell phone. On the one hand, breeders like him disturb the choice of stallions that are sorted out. Among them are animals that are particularly valuable for breeding because they are very purebred.

On the other hand, it is the time: In March, the so -called stallion catalog fluttered into the house at the Freiberg breeders – an overview of all animals that are available for natural insemination. The lanes begins. It costs 100 or 200 francs to have a mare inseminated by a federal stallion. The federal government wants to ensure the preservation of the only horse breed with Swiss origin.

« In the middle of the lens season, it doesn’t work! » Spring is upset. The stallions, which are now neutered, are still listed in the catalog. This makes the national stud into a mockery. « No private breeder could afford something like that, » he says. Various people would have contacted him who share his frustration.

BUND explains itself

Pauline Queloz, managing director of the Freiberg Association, also criticizes the time of castration. However, she can understand the decision itself. The two stallions that have now been neutered have hardly been asked by breeders in recent years, she says. Then you couldn’t criticize if they are neutered and sold.

The federal government shows understanding for resentment on request. But he also defends himself. Since you continue to buy young stallions every year, you have to actively manage the inventory and thus also sell stallions, Agroscope explains on request. The agricultural competence center is responsible for the national stud. The animals would be neutered before the sale because the stallion for private individuals and it is therefore easier to sell castrated animals.

Stallion per frozen

Agroscope also emphasizes that the stallions are not away from the market. The stud has a freezer where the frozen sperm of around 150 breeding stallions of the federal government is stored. Of all the animals sold that are still approved for breeding, there is enough sperm for artificial insemination in stock.

Breeder jumps that can only be soothed. He wants a pronunciation with the federal government. Because it is clear: Historique and Caran d’Ache will not be the last stallions whose potency falls victim to the federal savings program. Pauline Queloz sees it positively: « The deciding of the stud of neutering and selling the stallions now enables you to finish your career as a leisure horse. »