Breeding Flashcards
WBFSH
World breeding federation for sports horses
Foals first vaccines prior to weaning at
5 ish months
Oestrus cysles
21 to 22 days
Day 3-7
Oestrus
15-17 days
Diostrus
Prep before stud
WVTWFHIT
-Weight
-vaccinations
-Teeth
-worming
-feet
-handling
-Insurance
-test results
Cem
Contagious equine meritus
CEM swab
Two swabs 1st clitoral and 2nd endometrial
Regumate
Altrenogest , suppresses heat
Equine viral Arteritis diagnosed via
Blood test, notifiable, last case devon 2019
Prostaglandin causes luteolysis which
Brings mare back into season
Onset of sexual maturity
10 to 24 months
Scan for pregnancy confirmation
14 to 16 days
Ferlity reduces after
15
UELN
Universal equine life number
Older maiden mare often has an
Abnormally tight cervix making fluid draining hard
Premature bagging up could be a sign of
Placentitis
Fresh semen life span
48-72 hrs
Deslorelin is a
synthetic hormone. GnRH Agonist
Deslorelin is often used to
induce ovulation in mares
Deslorelin stimulates
the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which triggers ovulation
Plasma infusion
For foals with low IgC
Requirements for mares coming into Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic for AI are:
Clitoral Swab for CEM Blood Sample for EVA
Clitoral swabs are taken for CEM, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeroginosa after
January 1st of current year
OPU, also known as oocyte collection, is the process where oocytes (eggs)
are aspirated from the mares ovary.
ICSI
Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
After 15 - 30 minutes the
suck reflex should be possible
within 1 hour
the foal should stand up
4 hours
meconium
Spray broken
umbilical cord with
Diluted iodine solution
If Milk is seen coming out of the nostrils
may
be associated with a cleft palate or laryngeal
insuffciency
An embryo flush is performed typically between
7 and 8 days after ovulation
The recipient mare should be scanned approximately
7 to 9 days after the embryo
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV1-4) vaccinations are given in
the 5th, 7th and 9th months of gestation.
At 9 months of pregnancy the mare’s energy demands increase by
10%
At 11 months of pregnancy the mare’s energy demands increase by
20%
Length of pregnancy
330 days to 370
AI Technicians needs to have
attended a recognised course
Piroplasmosis is caused by
blood-borne intracellular parasites that are spread naturally by a specific tick species, when they feed on a horse but may also be transmitted iatrogenically through transfer of infected blood via contaminated equipment such as re-using needles or syringes between horses.
Pregnancy Scan
14-16 days
Heart Beat Scan
28- 30 days
For both frozen and chilled inseminations, mares which are at higher risk of twins are recommended to have
two scans between 14-18 days
This is necessary because once thawed, frozen semen will only survive for between
6 to 12 hours
Veterinary check – 24 hours Post Foaling Check:
that the foal has a strong suck reflex, full tummy and is feeding well
IgG levels via a blood test – this is vital if there are any concerns that the foal may not have received adequate colostrum
the umbilicus and dip with dilute iodine solution
identify dummy foal
identify any congenital flexural or angular limb deformities
identify any other congenital problems e.g. cleft palate, congenital cataracts
identify any umbilical or scrotal hernias
the vet may choose to give the foal a tetanus antitoxin and antibiotic injectiona
a ‘fleet’ foal enema may be given to ensure meconium has been passed
Post foaling Mare check
check the udder to make sure the mare has plenty of milk
check the placenta to make sure all is passed intact
check the vulva and vagina for tears that may require suturing
check the mare is not bleeding
Mares are most likely to produce more than one ovum if they are
not nursing a foal; have not produced a foal in the previous season; have had a history of twin pregnancies; and are young, healthy, and at the peak of their fertile years.
Premature lactation can be associated with impending
abortion or placentitis
What to do if your mare runs milk early:
Phone the vet for advice
Collect the colostrum in a bucket/container and freeze. This can be defrosted and carefully fed to the foal after birth
Make arrangements for alternative colostrum source – the vet will advise
After the foal is born, try to ensure adequate colostrum
Test the foal at 24 hrs old for IgG – this is a quick and simple blood test that the vet will take at the yard and will determine whether the foal has received enough colostrum
Mammary gland development becomes apparent during the
last month of gestation, especially in the last 2 weeks. A waxy yellow secretion will develop on the end of the teats 1-4 days before foaling. This is known as ‘waxing up’.
Maiden mares may not
OPU
is the collection of eggs (oocytes) directly from the mare’s follicles in her ovary for the purpose of carrying out intra-cytoplastic sperm injection (ICSI).
ICSI is the technique used for fertilisation of the oocytes where
one sperm cell is injected into each mature oocyte. Following this an embryo may develop.
Advantages OPU/ICSI
Ideal for subfertile mares unable to produce an embryo for embryo transfer or unable to carry a pregnancy to term.
Can be carried out outside the normal breeding season as mares do not have to be cycling
Little interruption to competition work
Frozen embryos can be transferred to a recipient mare, stored until a later date or sold when the owner desires
Use of a very small amount of semen allows subfertile stallions or exclusive/expensive semen to be used more effectively. One straw of frozen semen can be used for multiple ICSI sessions.
In case of sudden death/euthanasia oocytes can be recovered as soon as possible post mortem and undergo ICSI (Genetic Salvage)
Oocyte retrieval rate can vary and could be between
50-60%
Oocyte retrieval rate can vary and could be between 50 – 65%, however this will depend on the individual mare. Overall, the likelihood of getting one or more embryos per OPU session is 55%, and the chances of getting a pregnancy after transfer of a frozen embryo are around
70%
Other comments/requirements for Donor mares OPU
Health papers need to accompany each oocytes shipment. This means that:
CEM swabs and EIA blood test should be completed ahead of the OPU procedures
The mare must not have been outside the UK 30 days before the OPU or between her health tests and the OPU
Mares should have at least 15 follicles of around 1 cm diameter, ideally without the presence of a large preovulatory follicle, to maximize the chances
Frozen semen for the ICSI should be available/be shipped ahead of the OPU to Avantea
OPU can be repeated at 21-28 days intervals assuming enough follicles have developed in the meantime
Scans at Tremlows
one PD scan at 15 days, a PD scan at 28/30 days and a PD at about 42 days;
An arthroscope is a
small rigid camera that is inserted into the area of interest through a small (around 1cm) incision.
Horses undergoing elective arthroscopy often remain in the hospital for at least
36-48 hours
Chromosomal abnormalities, aged oocyea and poor uterine conditions
Increase chances of embryonic loss
Mares over 18 may have up to
20% chance of loosing foal
Vulva can tilt in older mares
Increasing risk of infection
Uterine cysts found in 55% of older
Non maiden mares
33% of mares who have aborred in the past
Abort in the next pregnancy
Sexed Semen – separation of X (female) and Y (male) chromosome bearing spermatozoa in order to preselect the sex of the foal. Semen is separated by
flow cytometry based on the amount of DNA, which differs between the two sex chromosomes. 2020 saw the birth of a Suffolk Punch filly, who’s sex had been predetermined in this way. This new technology may prove vital in preserving some of the at-risk breeds.
The CED holds over
1.2 million equine records from the 81 UK passport issuing organisations.
Stage 1 Labour last
1 - 4hours
Dystocia
difficult foaling
Dystocia can be due to problems with the foal such
as:
- Position
- Size
- Malformation
- Twins
Stage 2 labour chance of live foal under
40 minutes
Dystocia problems with the mare
- Premature placental separation
- Conformational – for example, abnormal pelvic
conformation as a result of a previous injury - Exhaustion or uterine inertia
- Infection such as Equine Herpes Virus: This can cause
abortion in late pregnancy and usually there are no
warning signs of the impending abortion.
Rossdales have saved up to 19% of foals in a
ccesarean situation
Premature placental separation results in the
foal being born still inside the placenta, commonly
referred to as a
red bag delivery
A ‘red bag’ foal should be monitored closely
after birth for normal behavior as it may have been
starved of oxygen during birth and need veterinary
attention to decrease the risk of further deterioration.
Foals that are unwell we often stand under the mare but not
drink
Premature Foals
300 - 320 days
Dysmature Foals
Normal gestation but looks premature
Clinical Signs of Premature Foals-
Small Body Size
Domed Forehead
Weak Deformed leg conformation
standing wewak
Poor Suck
(more sever respiratory conditions etc)
Hypoxic Ischameic Encephalomyelopathy HIE
Dummy Foal
Dummy Foals causes
Premature placental seperation , compromised umblicial cord, difficult slow birth, meconium aspiration, C Section
Two types of dummy foal
normal at birth then deterioate or abnormal from birth
Septicaemia
bacteria are present in foals bloodstream
Failure of passive transfer
can cause septicaemia
In new born foals the most common cause of colic is
meconium impact
Septic Arthritis is usually due to
bacteria in the blood stream infecting the joint
Foal Heat Dirrhoea
around a week - not due to mare being in season just due to gut adjusting
Thoroughbred breeding season starts
Feb 14th
Artifical light from
Dec 5th
A Caslick’s, also known as
Vulvoplasty
For a mare to become pregnant and carry a foal, her uterus must remain
sterile/free from infection.
Three barriers in the mare’s anatomy, starting externally and moving internally, should keep this harmful bacteria from getting into the uterus:
the vulva, the vestibulovaginal seal, and the cervix. Age, poor perineal conformation, weight loss, or injuries can cause these barriers to fail. A Caslick’s can be beneficial when the vulva or vestibulovaginal seal is inadequate.
A normal vulva should be
perpendicular to the ground. Most of the vulva should be located below the mare’s pelvic brim (a bony shelf that can be felt just to either side of the vulva). When this conformation is faulty, bacteria from manure—which is obviously in close proximity—can enter the vulva and multiply, causing a uterine infection known as endometritis
Common vulvar conformation abnormalities include a
tilt, or the appearance of a recessed anus, creating an area where the vulva is tipped almost to horizontal.
The vestibulovaginal seal This is a “curtain” of tissue located inside the vagina that should form a tight seal to prevent any contamination from inside the vulva from reaching the sterile uterus. If this seal is inefficient for any reason
(old age, trauma from foaling, or simple faulty anatomy), any bacteria that gain entry to the vulva will have easy passage into the uterus itself.
The cervix This structure seals the uterus from the vagina. A mare’s cervix can
be torn or injured during foaling, which can prevent her from becoming or staying pregnant. Cervical tears and injuries must be addressed or repaired, and this is one structure that a Caslick’s procedure won’t help.
To assess whether a mare needs a Caslick’s, a veterinarian evaluates the orientation of the vulva and tests the vestibulovaginal seal by parting the vulva and listening for the
gurgle of air entry
Despite spring and summer being the main breeding seasons, sperm concentration in ejaculates was actually lower during these months than in the
fall and winter
Older mares might begin cycling later in the spring than younger mares, and the time between ovulations
length
McCue says the incidence of ovulation failure increases with age. For young mares, the dominant follicle (the one that grows fastest in preparation for ovulation) fails to ovulate in less than 5% of cycles. But when mares are 15 and older, that rate can increase to
13%
These chronic degenerative changes in the uterine lining, or endometrium, are known as endometrosis,.
Reduced blood flow in the uterus during early gestation in
older mares as well as in those with significant endometrial degeneration.
“Less blood flow is thought to indicate less interaction and exchange in the so-called embryo-endometrium talk,” he says. “Endometrosis may be one of the factors leading to less blood flow, and we don’t have a treatment for that (yet).”
An accumulation of debris, such as cells and fibrin strands from previous ovulations or pregnancies, can block these oviducts
and prevent the egg, sperm, or developing embryo from passing.
“With cooled semen, one of the critical factors in retaining semen quality is adequate dilution (using extender) of the
seminal fluid
Breeding soundness history
age, breed , foaling history
During a palpation the veterinarian will look for anything that’s not normal in the uterus, ovaries, and cervix, including
uterine cysts, uterine fluid, poor uterine tone, cervical lacerations, or extreme ventral dilations .
Uterine Cultures–
Uterine cultures look for the presence of bacteria in a mare’s uterus.
good quality sperm should have:
Good motility
Good Morphology
Good Concentration
Good Volume
Consistent
If your mare suffers from mating-induced endometritis (inflammation caused by a failure to properly flush semen and other contaminants from the uterus after insemination), your veterinarian might use
uterine lavage or oxytocic drugs to help her expel the fluid.
Failure to ovulate
Over 90% of mares will ovulate within two days after administration of one of these agents.”
large incision to expose each testicle, then use sterile
emasculators to crush the large vessels of the spermatic cord to prevent hemorrhage. It takes about 15 minutes for the colt to recover from the anesthetic.
opening in the abdominal wall (inguinal canal) through which the testicles descend into the scrotum is large or flexible. In these horses the intestines and other abdominal tissue can pass through the inguinal opening and out the incision (herniation). Although inguinal hernias are uncommon, t
Life threatneing
Chilled Semen
12 - 26 hours
Fresh Semen - Pros
Minimal or no semen processing involved
Less frequent checks by your veterinarian can make this a cheaper option
Fresh semen has the highest fertility results
Fresh Semen - Cons
The stallion may not be available
The semen has a short life span once collected and quality is constantly falling before insemination
Mare and stallion need to be at the same location or very close by
Chilled semen is collected from the stallion, a
protein-based extender is then added to the sample and the semen processed and chilled before dispatch
Chilled Semen - Pros
The next best thing to fresh semen, in terms of quality and fertility (although it is becoming more apparent that comparable results can be achieved with chilled and frozen semen)
Mare and stallion do not need to be at the same location
The semen can usually travel for 24 hours whilst maintaining good motility, if processed correctly
Tip: Ask the collection centre if they centrifuge the semen sample prior to shipping - Most chilled semen (from around 85% of stallions) will benefit from being centrifuged in order to improve its longevity for travelling
Chilled Semen - Cons
The stallion may not be available due to training or competition commitments
There is a chance that the courier may be delayed and not be able to deliver within the 24-hour window
Timing – the mare may ovulate before the semen arrives
Shipping fees will apply
What is the total concentration of sperm cells in a dose of fresh semen?
World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) recommend a minimum of 300 million progressively motile sperm cells per dose. Stallion AI Services process fresh semen at a total concentration of 500 million progressively motile sperm cells per dose.
What should the total concentration of sperm cells be in a dose of chilled semen?
WBFSH recommend a minimum of 600 million progressively motile sperm cells per dose. Stallion AI Services process chilled semen at a total concentration of 1,000 million progressively motile sperm cells per dose.
When ordering fresh/chilled semen what progressive motility should I expect to receive?
Progressive motility can vary widely from stallion to stallion, but you should expect to receive a minimum of 35%, with the average being between 50—65%. This applies to both fresh and chilled semen.
Frozen semen has been processed, a
a protein-based extender is then added to the sample and then frozen and stored at -196*C. Stallion AI Services freeze semen at 6 straws per dose, however the number of straws per dose can vary depending on the centre.
Frozen Semen - Pros
Once frozen, the semen can last indefinitely provided it is stored correctly
The straws can be ordered in advance of your mare being ready for insemination
Frozen semen can travel further than fresh and chilled semen. The shipping flasks can last anywhere from 7 -21 days, which means the semen can travel worldwide providing that it qualifies for export to that country
Stallion’s availability is not a problem
Frozen Semen - Cons
Once thawed and inseminated, frozen semen has a shorter life span inside the mare (approx. 6 hours), which means insemination must be as close to ovulation as possible this increases the frequency of veterinary scans required
More frequent checks by your veterinarian can make frozen AI more expensive
Not all veterinarians are well practiced in handling, thawing and inseminating frozen semen, it is important to use an experienced veterinarian
The semen must be stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees) before use.
Some veterinary practices do not have storage facilities, this is important to check prior to ordering the semen
What is a dose?
A dose is made up from a number of straws (usually between 1-8 straws) and has been calculated to contain the optimum concentration of sperm cells in order to achieve a pregnancy, which Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) recommend at 250 million progressively motile sperm cells per insemination. Stallion AI Services freeze semen at 300 million PMS per insemination.
WFFS - Affected Foals
are typically born with extensive skin lesions due to abnormally thin and fragile skin, and other musculoskeletal abnormalities leading them to be aborted, stillborn or euthanized shortly after birth.
What is WFFS
It’s an inherited systemic connective tissue disorder characterised by a lack of skin tensile strength. Affected foals will display skin ulceration and tearing, from contact with normal surroundings. In addition, lesions may also be found on the gums and mucous membranes and limbs are lax and hyperextensible. Particularly fetlocks can be most dramatically affected, preventing foals from standing normally. If carried to term, the affected foal won’t survive long after birth, or will have to be euthanised on humane grounds as there is no cure for the disease.
Testing for WFFS
Hair Samples
Starch is a form of carbohydrate used by plants
to store energy and is made of up a large number of glucose (sugar) molecules joined together. When a horse eats starch, it is broken down into these glucose molecules in the small intestine, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and provide fuel for exercise and normal body processes.
Broodmare last 3 months
Increase protein by 16%
Equine Placenta Examination Checklist?
Check the placenta from top to tail that both horns are present, and the full tip of the non pregnant horn is in tact.
Check that the placenta is the same colour all over and there are no areas that are particularly light or particularly dark.
Turn the placenta over and check both sides, and the inside as well.
This does not take the place of a new foal check. A vet should still come out and check the foal within the first 36 hours.
The incidence of retained placenta in the mare is reported to be 2-10%, but can commonly occur as a consequence of:
Dystocia- difficulties delivering the foal
Twins
If the mare has a caesarian section
What the owner can do - Placenta
tie the hanging placenta into a ball just above the hocks – this prevents them from becoming torn and contaminated
gentle walking exercise may be helpful
What can Vet do Placenta
Oxytocin injections will be given – this stimulates uterine contractions
the uterus can be infused with fluid – this often promotes expulsion of the membranes, together with any uterine contaminants
manual removal may be attempted by a vet who will take great care not to tear the placenta and leave a piece inside the mare
If the mare retains her membranes longer than six hours, urgent veterinary treatment is required. If she develops a temperature and becomes obviously ill she may need to be hospitalised. The uterus is flushed at regular intervals, intravenous fluids are administered, oxytocin, antibiotics and anti-endotoxic drugs are given and prophylactic laminitis treatment may be given.
