The Broodmare

Question 1

Most common breeding methods

Answer 1

Live cover
Artificial insemination with fresh or frozen semen

Question 2

Tools used during live breeding

Answer 2

Neck pad
Nose twitch (endorphin release)
Breeding hobbles

Question 3

Process for live cover

Answer 3

Monitor mares heat cycle through teasing, stallion exposure
Breed to stallion every other day until rejection

Question 4

Artificial insemination with fresh semen requires what of the vet

Answer 4

Monitor mare’s heat cycle (palpations/ultrasound)
Observe the growth of one or more follicles
Request semen be shipped when follicle is certain size

Question 5

When is the mare inseminated, where is semen deposited

Answer 5

As soon as semen arrives, deposited directly into uterus

Question 6

What is done with semen after insemination

Answer 6

Small sample evaluated under microscope to assess viability

Question 7

Advantage of frozen semen

Answer 7

Semen is ready and waiting, ship worldwide

Question 8

Disadvantage of frozen semen

Answer 8

Timing of insemination much closer (within 6h of ovulation)
Pregnancy rate lower

Question 9

What happens to the uterus once inseminated

Answer 9

Inflammation response to the semen, fluid and inflammatory debris accumulates

Question 10

Why is inflammation more common with frozen semen

Answer 10

Natural protectants in seminal fluid removed as part of freezing process

Question 11

How long does it take the fertilized egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus

Answer 11

6 days, vet can clean uterine environment

Question 12

Post-breeding treatments include

Answer 12

Oxytocin injection
Uterine infusion
Uterine lavage

Question 13

Common methods used to manipulate mares estrous cycle

Answer 13

increase lights (seasons)
Prostaglandin
Progesterone

Question 14

How is light used to manipulate the estrous cycle

Answer 14

Put mare under 16h of light per day beginning between Nov 15 and Dec 1 to stimulate cycling

Question 15

Slide 14**

Answer 15

ok

Question 16

How is prostaglandin used to regulate estrous

Answer 16

Sent up to destroy corpus luteum and stop progesterone production, cuts cycle short
Sync mares

Question 17

How early can pregnancy be detected? How?

Answer 17

10 days
Ultrasound

Question 18

When do most veterinarians recommend the first and second ultrasounds

Answer 18

First = 15 to 18 days after ovulation (small fluid filled sac)
Second = 30 days, heartbeat, check for twins

Question 19

When are palpations done

Answer 19

3 months, 5 months

Question 20

Up until what point does the mare not need extra nutrition

Answer 20

Up until 8 months

Question 21

How much weight does the fetus gain each day before 8 months

Answer 21

0.2 pounds a day, not much energy needed

Question 22

How much weight does the foal gain in the last months of pregnancy

Answer 22

1 pound per day

Question 23

What increases in the mare in the last few months

Answer 23

Caloric / protein requirements

Question 24

What do vets recommend nearing the end of pregnancy

Answer 24

Specifically balanced supplement, increased hay rations

Question 25

What should be avoided when feeding the pregnant mare? Why?

Answer 25

Avoid fescue hay
Often plagued with fungus called endophyte which can cause abortion or held pregnancy, or agalactia

Question 26

What is agalactia

Answer 26

Failure to produce milk

Question 27

When do we stop exercising pregnant mares

Answer 27

If she becomes uncomfortable or tired
Do not introduce new activities, pay attention

Question 28

Why do mares still require exercise when pregnant

Answer 28

Lack of fitness leads to fat around vaginal cavity and dystocia

Question 29

Why will most mares not carry twins to term

Answer 29

Placenta unable to support both fetuses

Question 30

How are twins diagnosed

Answer 30

Ultrasound as early as 12 days post conception
2nd ultrasound for all pregnancies to look for two heartbeats between 28 and 30 days

Question 31

Treatment for twins prior to 15 days

Answer 31

Vet can easily separate embryos and crush one with hands

Question 32

What is the treatment for twins between 15 and 30 days

Answer 32

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”

Question 33

How serious are twins

Answer 33

Often result in abortion during final third of pregnancy
If born, one may be very weak or dead, other may be compromised

Question 34

**What are the complications of twins

Answer 34

Life threatening to mare, late term abortion causes:
- trauma
- illness
- infection
- laminitis
- reduced fertility (damaged vaginal wall)

Question 35

The tendon that helps support the abdomen against the pelvis ruptures, resulting in a loss of support of the abdominal organs, pregnancy and udder

Answer 35

Ruptured prepubic tendon

Question 36

How is ruptured prepubic tendon diagnosed

Answer 36

Physical appearance
Palpation to determine if tendon is stretched/at risk or ruptured

Question 37

How is ruptured prepubic tendon treated

Answer 37

Termination of pregnancy
Support wraps and nursing care to save foal if close to term

Question 38

How serious is ruptured prepubic tendon

Answer 38

Risk to mare and foal
Negatively affect mares ability to support future pregnancies
NOT rebred