1. Does my mare possess the desired traits that should be passed on to her offspring?
Is the mare conformationally correct and does she have a good attitude and disposition? These are certainly hereditary traits she will pass on, and those traits should also be considered in the stallion you select to breed her to!
2. Why am I breeding my mare?
Owning a horse is a long-term commitment, and having a foal requires even more commitment. We all love cute foals, but with them comes increased care and cost. A pregnant mare requires increased nutrition, particularly the last three months of her pregnancy, and while she is nursing her foal. Are you prepared to work with your foal to ensure they are handled and cared for? Do you have a plan for training them for their future intended purpose?
3. Is my mare healthy enough to conceive a foal and carry it safely to term?
A mare should be in prime condition before breeding time arrives. Mares should be a body condition score between 5 and 6, carrying a little extra condition but not too heavy. Is she current on her vaccination on a sound parasite management program? Has she had a recent dental exam and are her hooves in good shape? Are there any underlying signs of disease such as Cushings Disease or thyroid imbalance?
2. Has my mare undergone a reproductive exam by a veterinarian?
Not all mares are created equal. A breeding soundness exam will ensure all reproductive parts are in good working order. A mare with poor perineal conformation (the vulvar lips, vaginal area, and cervix) will be more susceptible to infections caused by contamination from external particles in the uterus. A uterine culture can rule out any infections that may need treatment pre-breeding and stitching the vulvar lips, called a Caslicks, can prevent further infections post-breeding and stitches are removed pre-foaling. Ultrasound exam of the uterus can also determine the health of the uterus.
3. Do I have a plan to monitor when my mare needs to be bred?
As with people, knowing the prime conception window is important. Mares cycle seasonally when days or longer, or when they are exposed to longer periods of artificial light. After they begin to cycle, mares come into heat about every 21 days and their heat period lasts five to seven days, with ovulation happening the last 24-48 hours of the heat period. Breeding should occur as close as possible to ovulation, so knowing exactly how a mare's heat cycle occurs plays an important in planning when she needs to be bred. On many breeding operations, an intact male horse known as a teaser is a valuable tool to help predict when the mare is closest to ovulation.
4. Will I breed my mare through artificial insemination (AI) or live cover?
Either method is a viable means of ensuring pregnancy, unless you are seeking to have a registered Thoroughbred as they accept live cover only. Both methods take planning however, whether it be to arrange transportation to a stallion farm for live cover based on their requirements, or purchasing semen for AI and working with a veterinarian for insemination at the proper time.
There is nothing more exciting that witnessing a foaling, especially when a healthy
foal arrives from a healthy mare. Considering the above factors will help you achieve success!
No comments:
Post a Comment