Breeding horses Flashcards
From what age can mares be bred from? What is the optimum age?
2 years old
5-6 is optimum
The integrity of which 3 anatomical seals is essential?
Vulva
Vestibule
Cervix
Describe the light regime and its role
- extend light to 16 hours per day
- tricks the mare into thinking the days are longer
- switch light on 30 mins before sunset
How long does it take for the lighting regime to have an effect?
60-90 days
Start before the 15th of December for Feb-March breeding
What type of breeders are horses?
Seasonal polyoestrus - long day breeder
Describe the horses normal cycle, include length, oestrus, and ovulation
- Mean 21 days
- Oestrus for 3-7 days
- Ovulate 24-48 before the end of oestrus
Where does a mare ovulate from?
From an ovulation fossa on the ovary
What size will a follicle be when it ovulates?
35mm
How do gestation lengths vary?
Full term = 320+ days
Avg thoroughbred = 341 days
What is the limit of viability for a foal?
300 days - any days born before this have practically 0 chance of survival
From what day is it called a foetus rather than an embryo?
Day 40
What % of ovulations are twins?
Of twin conceptions what % are unicornual?
20%
70%
Is a mare more likely to abort both in a unicornual or bicornual pregnancy?
72% in Bicornual
12% in Unicornual
Embryo death of one is more likely to occur in unicornual or bicornual? what are the consequences of this?
75% in unicornual
10% in bicornual
- 78% chance of having a single live offspring id embryo death of one embryo occurs in a unicornual pregnancy
What are some cost factors that need to be considered when breeding a mare?
- Transport to stud
- Stud fee
- Groom and ‘in foal’ fee
- Veterinary fees
- Livery at stud
Mares need to be certified free of what before arriving at the stud?
Transmissible venereal disease
Describe the natural service procedures of a mare and stallion
- Vulva and penis of the breeding pair are washed immediately before covering
- Mare should be adequately restrained
- Breeding rolls to limit penetration
- Gonadotrophin and GnRH used to induce ovulation
From what age are stallions used?
3-5 years old
What 5 feature are required for a good stallion?
- Libido
- Mount and serve
- Semen quality and quantity
- Free from disease
- Longevity
What are expected stallion behaviours?
- Immediate interest in mare
- Erection within 2 mins of contact with mare
- Ready to mount 5-10 seconds after erection
- Ejectulation after 5-6 pelvic thrusts
What are some signs that a mare is getting close to parturition?
- Isolation from group
- Nesting
- Restlessness
- Raising tail
- Teats fill: 7-10 days
- Vulva swells and relaxes
- Drop in body temp
What timings should a foal meet post-partum to show it has vigour?
Sternal: 1-2 mins
Suckling reflex: 20 mins
Standing: 15-120 mins
Nurse < 4hours
