Reproduction

Horses are seasonal breeders. what season does reproductive activity occur in?

It correlates to day length (they require long daylight hours). They are summer breeders

Seasonally polyoestrus

How long is gestation?

340 days, but can vary between 320, and 370 days

The window for fertilisation is very short. mating must occur during oestrus period as close to ovulation ad possible. When does ovulation occur?

Around day 5 of oestrus. 24 hours post ovulation there is zero chance of fertilisation

The birthday of all foals in Australia (southern hemisphere) is 1 August. For a mare to foal as close to 1 August, she must be bred from around 15 September the year before however mares do not usually cycle at this time. What do people in the industry do to ensure she comes into oestrus.

They use artificial lighting to give 16 hours of daylight. 8 to 10 weeks of increased light is required for a mare to come into oestrus. Start under lights in July.

How can you determine oestrus in a mare?

Tail up, urinating, winking (frequent opening of the vulva)

What occurs in hand serving?

The breeding systems for horses are natural service in the paddock or hand service, artificial insemination or embryo transfer, explain artificial insemination, and which types of horses it is not permitted in?

Semen is collected from the stallion by artificial means. Goal is to inseminate each mare within 48 hours prior to breeding for fresh or chilled semen (10-30 ml). Artificial insemination is not committed in the thoroughbreds

What are the stages of ultrasound for pregnancy checking

11 to 16 days post breeding to check for pregnancy and twins. At 30 days check the mare still pregnant. At 45 days check for pregnancy and normal development. Pregnancy certificates will be completed at this time.

What are some of the husbandry procedures, pre-foaling?

Late pregnant mares need some exercise and increasing nutrition. The mare should be in the foaling environment six weeks prior to foaling. Vaccinate the mare before foaling to ensure that colostrum contains adequate antibodies.

Foaling

Parturition stage 1

Parturition stage 2

Parturition stage 3

The equine neonate

Foal care