A Review of Contemporary Contraceptives and Sterilization Techniques for Feral Horses

Abstract

This commentary provides a brief review of the history of contraceptive research eff orts for feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) as well as the contraceptives and sterilization techniques currently available for feral horses. Porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptives have received the most attention and use over the past 40 years, but other treatments such as the GnRH vaccine Gonacon™-Equine are also available. Optimization of these treatments as well as the development of other molecular approaches, intrauterine devices, and surgical techniques is ongoing.

Keywords

• feral horse
• equus ferus caballus
• contraceptive
• fertility control
• sterilization