Agroscope, Swiss National Stud (SNS), is responsible for implementing the task of preserving the genetic diversity of the unique native Swiss horse breed, the Franches-Montagnes (FM), which is at risk of losing its genetic diversity due to inbreeding.

In the FM horse breed, natural covering still represents the almost exclusive way of producing offspring. Still, artificial insemination (AI) allows breeders to select the most appropriate stallions for mating without needing to transport the mare. This is extremely beneficial for small native, horse breeds such as the FM, as the genetic diversity can be increased by offering a wider selection of breeding stallions. Furthermore, AI limits the risk of serious injury to mares and stallions that are often valuable, high-performing athletes.

These studies focus on different aspects of equine reproduction related to the preservation of genetic diversity in the FM, from genetic identification of stallions unsuitable for semen cryopreservation, to the use of socioeconomics data on AI in the FM, as well as accompany the FM breeders both in the potential implementation of AI and in the improvement of fertility rates on the field.