Fig. 1. Example check sheet for systematic behavior evaluation of stimulus/mount mare candidates.
however, consideration of the implications of the various approaches for intended use as a stimulus/ mount mare is warranted. Flank incisions not only require an extended convalescent period (4 to 6 weeks), but, in our experience, flank incisions often result in an aversion to flank contact that not only complicates mounting by a stallion for semen collec- tion through the use of the artificial vagina or as an intermediate training step but also seems to predis- pose some mares to be less tolerant of vigorous pre- copulatory interaction. In contrast, for colpotomy, the convalescent period is only 2 weeks (or in our experience less if necessary), and there is no exter- nal scarring.4 Although a conventional laparo-
scopic approach carries the advantage of improved visualization of the ovary and mesovarium over the flank approach, extension of portal incisions to facilitate extraction of the ovary is still necessary. Therefore, postoperative healing time, incisional complications, and persistent flank sensitivity are concerns for a stimulus/mount mare. Recently, hand-assisted techniques have been developed to combine the laparoscopic visualization with ovary extraction by means of colpotomy to minimize flank incisional length and consequently, convalescent time. For such techniques, a chain ecraseur or vessel sealing/tissue dividing instrumenta has been used for transection and hemostasis of the mesovar-
