Limitations of Male-Oriented Contraception for Controlling Feral Horse Populations

We developed a computer program to simulate key features of feral horse (Equus caballus) population dynamics and breeding cycles because of the continuing controversy over male- versus female-oriented contraceptive approaches to population management. We used the program to investigate the potential efficacy of male-oriented contraception as a population management tool, and to explore the impacts of such programs on the normal seasonal foaling pattern. The treatment strategies we tested included sterilizing only dominant harem stallions and sterilizing males without regard to their social status