The acceptance of many equine breed organizations allowing multiple foal registries per mare per year has led to increased use of embryo transfer, allowing mares to continue to train and compete during the breeding season without the hindrance of pregnancy. Evidence supports that sustained physical activity is detrimental to both embryo recovery rate and embryo quality in mares. Blood flow to the ovary appears to be critical to follicular development and oocyte and embryonic developmental competence. However, the influence of exercise-induced stress on reproductive blood flow in any species remains elusive.
Researchers at Clemson University and the University of Florida reported on a study that examined the impact of exercise on mare reproductive health and embryo transfer. In the study, mares were divided into three research groups: no exercise (control), partial exercise, and full exercise. Their objective was to measure reproductive blood flow and embryo number and quality. Partial-exercised mares were exercised for 30 minutes of moderate-intense exercise daily during the periovulatory period and were rested after ovulation for 7 days. Full-exercised mares were exercised for 30 minutes daily throughout the reproductive cycle.
The study demonstrated that 30 min of moderate exercise significantly increased serum cortisol concentrations, tended to decrease embryo recovery rates, and reduced embryo quality scores.
This is an area of research that needs further investigation, but it is something to think about if you're breeding your mares. It would seem that avoiding exercise during early embryo development would be beneficial.
The journal article in it's entirety can be found at the following link:
http://www.journalofanimalscience.org/content/90/11/3770.long
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