The Broodmare Flashcards
Most common breeding methods
Live cover
Artificial insemination with fresh or frozen semen
Tools used during live breeding
Neck pad
Nose twitch (endorphin release)
Breeding hobbles
Process for live cover
Monitor mares heat cycle through teasing, stallion exposure
Breed to stallion every other day until rejection
Artificial insemination with fresh semen requires what of the vet
Monitor mare’s heat cycle (palpations/ultrasound)
Observe the growth of one or more follicles
Request semen be shipped when follicle is certain size
When is the mare inseminated, where is semen deposited
As soon as semen arrives, deposited directly into uterus
What is done with semen after insemination
Small sample evaluated under microscope to assess viability
Advantage of frozen semen
Semen is ready and waiting, ship worldwide
Disadvantage of frozen semen
Timing of insemination much closer (within 6h of ovulation)
Pregnancy rate lower
What happens to the uterus once inseminated
Inflammation response to the semen, fluid and inflammatory debris accumulates
Why is inflammation more common with frozen semen
Natural protectants in seminal fluid removed as part of freezing process
How long does it take the fertilized egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus
6 days, vet can clean uterine environment
Post-breeding treatments include
Oxytocin injection
Uterine infusion
Uterine lavage
Common methods used to manipulate mares estrous cycle
increase lights (seasons)
Prostaglandin
Progesterone
How is light used to manipulate the estrous cycle
Put mare under 16h of light per day beginning between Nov 15 and Dec 1 to stimulate cycling
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How is prostaglandin used to regulate estrous
Sent up to destroy corpus luteum and stop progesterone production, cuts cycle short
Sync mares
How early can pregnancy be detected? How?
10 days
Ultrasound
When do most veterinarians recommend the first and second ultrasounds
First = 15 to 18 days after ovulation (small fluid filled sac)
Second = 30 days, heartbeat, check for twins
When are palpations done
3 months, 5 months
Up until what point does the mare not need extra nutrition
Up until 8 months
How much weight does the fetus gain each day before 8 months
0.2 pounds a day, not much energy needed
How much weight does the foal gain in the last months of pregnancy
1 pound per day
What increases in the mare in the last few months
Caloric / protein requirements
What do vets recommend nearing the end of pregnancy
Specifically balanced supplement, increased hay rations
What should be avoided when feeding the pregnant mare? Why?
Avoid fescue hay
Often plagued with fungus called endophyte which can cause abortion or held pregnancy, or agalactia
What is agalactia
Failure to produce milk
When do we stop exercising pregnant mares
If she becomes uncomfortable or tired
Do not introduce new activities, pay attention
Why do mares still require exercise when pregnant
Lack of fitness leads to fat around vaginal cavity and dystocia
Why will most mares not carry twins to term
Placenta unable to support both fetuses
How are twins diagnosed
Ultrasound as early as 12 days post conception
2nd ultrasound for all pregnancies to look for two heartbeats between 28 and 30 days
Treatment for twins prior to 15 days
Vet can easily separate embryos and crush one with hands
What is the treatment for twins between 15 and 30 days
Embryos will be fixed in uterus
If embryos are in separate horns of uterus, one can still be crushed
If closely located 80% chance one will “self reduce”
How serious are twins
Often result in abortion during final third of pregnancy
If born, one may be very weak or dead, other may be compromised
**What are the complications of twins
Life threatening to mare, late term abortion causes:
- trauma
- illness
- infection
- laminitis
- reduced fertility (damaged vaginal wall)
The tendon that helps support the abdomen against the pelvis ruptures, resulting in a loss of support of the abdominal organs, pregnancy and udder
Ruptured prepubic tendon
How is ruptured prepubic tendon diagnosed
Physical appearance
Palpation to determine if tendon is stretched/at risk or ruptured
How is ruptured prepubic tendon treated
Termination of pregnancy
Support wraps and nursing care to save foal if close to term
How serious is ruptured prepubic tendon
Risk to mare and foal
Negatively affect mares ability to support future pregnancies
NOT rebred
