Breeding Records for Horse Owners

Horse owners that are in the business of producing foals have plenty to do to make sure that the mares are in good health, are in good condition, and generally ready to breed during the breeding season.  They also are working hard to make sure that the stallions are also healthy with no physical issues that might interfere with the breeding process, such as lameness, abnormal sperm, low sperm counts, or other injuries.  But, like just about every other job that one can think of, there is a lot of paperwork involved.

Breeding records are very useful tools for the horse owner who is interested in producing valuable foals.  Records can be very detailed, so if large numbers of foals are produced, a computerized record keeping system may want to be set up and used.  For most operations, old-fashioned paper records kept in a notebook will serve very well.

For mares, all sorts of records can be kept and used to ensure conception early on during the breeding season.  Of course, each mare will need a name or identification number for the record form.  The form can be in a calendar form since it is mostly tracing events associated with producing foals.  Some basic information to keep track of include the foaling date, teasing dates and response to teasing, palpation dates, and breeding dates.  More detailed records may include ovulation dates and the date a Caslick’s procedure may have been performed.

At the very least, the teasing records and noting the response to teasing will give a good indication of when to actually breed a mare for the best chance of conception – make sure that the semen is viable when the egg is released from the ovary.  Teasing scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 being non-responsive and 5 being very receptive to a stallion. 

Ultrasound and palpation records are very useful tools for artificial insemination.  Ultrasound results and palpation of the ovaries will indicate follicular consistency and size.  Daily records indicate teasing scores, and follicular development on each ovary, uterine tone, breeding, and indicate when an egg is released.    These records also track a cervix score and remarks are added to note other information.

Stallion records would include the results of a breeding soundness exam, plus the number of daily breedings for each stallion.  Semen evaluation records, should include semen volume, concentration, morphology, and motility.    These records determine the semen volume necessary for an insemination dose. 

Dr. David W. Freeman, Extension Equine Specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension, has a more detailed fact sheet on breeding records, including examples of record keeping and using those records to help improve and evaluate breeding performance.  The fact sheet can be found at http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2095/ANSI-3916web.pdf. 

Ringworm in Horses

Horse ringworm, also known as girth itch, is an unsightly, although common, winter skin ailment.  Ringworm is caused by a fungus and can be a source of stress for horse owners due to the unattractive skin lesions it causes and the time consuming efforts required to treat and control it.  The fungus typically enters the body via a break or tear in the skin, such as a minor scratch, allowing it access to invade your horse’s hair follicles.  Once in the follicles the fungus begins to breakdown the skin cells in a circular pattern, causing the well-known hair pattern associated with ringworm.  The most common type of ringworm horses contract is Trichophyton equinum but since ringworm is not species specific you or your horse can get ringworm from other animals on your farm such as cows, cats or dogs.

                The direct cause of ringworm is a fungal infection, but there are certain conditions that can increase your horse’s risk of catching or transmitting it.  The close quarters that horses often keep during cold months can cause a huge increase in the incidence of ringworm on your farm.  The skin-to-skin contact that may occur with animals being housed together allows for the fungus to easily transfer between animals.  A stressed animal is also more likely to develop a ringworm infection.  Keep this in mind when traveling for shows or training.  Young, sick or immunosuppressed animals may also be more susceptible to a ringworm infection.

                Horse ringworm commonly starts as a small patch of dry, scaly skin which grows to larger circular lesions.  If these lesions are draining or open it can allow bacteria to enter, complicating the infection and treatment of the area.  Most horse ringworm infections originate from the face, neck or girth area but this can vary depending on the type of fungus.

 

                There are multiple skin infections that can look like ringworm, so if you suspect your horse may have it a vet visit is in order.  The vet will be able to determine if it is a true ringworm infection using a Wood’s lamp or doing a skin scrape/culture.  It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a vet because the wrong type of medication may make the condition worse.

                Treatment of a ringworm infection is a multi-step process.  The vet will typically prescribe a topical anti-fungal cream but the use of medicated shampoos can dramatically decrease the duration of the infection.  Shampoos containing lime-sulfur, iodine or chlorhexidine are shown to be very effective in treating a ringworm infection.  These treatments will most likely need to be repeated daily, then weekly until the ringworm has gone and the vet has medically cleared your horse.  To avoid reinfection disinfect all combs, brushes, tack and blankets after each use.  Disinfect stalls of infected horse.  Bleach water solutions (10:1) are great at killing fungal spores.  Untreated fungal spores can live on surfaces for up to a year!  Keep uninfected horses separated until treatment of infected horse is completed.  Also keep your horses skin dry and clean, allow for lesions to dry out.

                Since ringworm can be transmitted to other animals (including humans) it is important to use good sanitary practices when handling your infected horse.  Use gloves when applying treatment or sanitizing tools, try to refrain from hugging your horse until the infection has cleared and wash, wash, wash your hands!!

Estimating Winter Hay Needs for Horses

It’s time for horse owners to make plans to for the colder weather ahead. For most horses, cold weather does not mean coming in from the cold, but being provided with the necessary nutrients to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Planning ahead for how much hay is needed for feeding all winter is essential for maintaining healthy horses.
Jennie Ivey, University of Tennessee Extension equine specialist, says ideally, a horse should consume between 1.5 percent to 2 percent of their body weight of hay or forage per day (dry matter basis). For example, a 1000 pound horse will eat 15 to 20 pounds of hay daily. That’s the equivalent of roughly one small square bale of 40-60 pounds every few days. The exact number of bales needed for winter feeding will depend on the weight of the bale.
“It is best to determine how much your horse will need to get through the winter based on their daily consumption” Ivey states, “Next, determine the total amount of hay needed,” she adds.
Low temperatures, high winds and precipitation can increase the amount of energy horses need per day. “That means during extreme conditions you may need to increase the amount of hay horses consume. Supplementation with grain or concentrate is needed when a horse is having difficulty maintaining weight or body condition,” she cautions.
Round bales are also a good option for horse owners, especially for those needing to maintain horses outside. On average, between 7 to 10 horses can consume one round bale (800-1200 pounds) in 3-4 days. Feeding round bales out of a feeder can greatly reduce waste and ensure that horses have access to fresh hay even during inclement weather.
Not all hay is created equal. Ivey recommends having your hay tested for nutrient content to ensure it meets the horse’s nutritional needs. Forge analysis can be performed by the UT Soil, Plant and Pest center (ag.tennessee.edu/spp). Ivey also reminds owners to check all hay for mold and dust before feeding. “Dusty hay can lead to respiratory problems, while moldy hay can cause colic,” she says.
For help estimating your horse’s weight, having your hay tested, interpretation of forage tests, or any other equine related questions contact your county extension office.

Finding the Right Farrier

Finding the right farrier for you and your horse can sometimes be difficult.  It is my hope that this post will help you understand more about what you should be looking for in a farrier during the decision-making process.

One of the best ways to find a good farrier is by word of mouth. However, if you have just moved to an area or do not know many horse owners to ask, the best resources are your veterinarian and other industry professionals such as your county extension agent.  Additional resources for locating a farrier include the North Carolina Horseshoers Association and the Horse Section of NCDA&CS to name a few.  Here are a few points to consider when searching for the right farrier:

Education. Some farriers enter the profession through formal education, some through apprenticeship, and some through a combination of the two. Regardless, a farrier should be knowledgeable about their field. Anyone can trim and shoe horses in the U.S. because no licensing or certification is required. Farriers should be well-versed in equine anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics and should be able to read a radiograph of the foot. Many good farriers will continue their education through reading and or attending clinics, seminars, and conferences. Ask if the farrier belongs to any organizations, for example the North Carolina Horseshoers Association.

Experience. A farrier's experience is also important. Be sure to ask how long they have been trimming or shoeing horses, whether they have been doing it regularly, and if they have any areas of specialization. It is important to match the farrier's education and background to your needs. A normal, sound horse, used for occasional trail rides does not need the same level of expertise as an upper level show horse or a horse with lameness problems. Keep in mind that some farriers specialize in a particular breed or riding discipline.

Horsemanship. Observe how the farrier interacts with horses. Does the farrier spend time watching how the horse moves and lands on his feet; do they carefully look at and assess the foot; and does the farrier work quietly and calmly around the horse? These considerations not only affect the quality of the farrier's work, they can impact the safety of all involved. Equally important is ensuring your horse stands well for the farrier and is well behaved.

Attitude. Make sure a prospective farrier enjoys their work, does not rush, pays attention to detail, and seems to care about the welfare of the horse and owner. Ensure the farrier is punctual and reliable with appointments, and calls when running late. Finally, make sure they are willing to work in cooperation with a veterinarian, if necessary.

Communication. Choose someone who is easy to communicate and get-along with. This should include conversations regarding the owners goals, the horses' needs, and the owners financial situation. Your farrier should be willing to discuss and or explain the trimming or shoeing process. Make sure they are easy to reach during an emergency situation. Farriers and horse owners should work together cooperatively and share mutual respect.

Cost. Cost will vary by region and the horse's needs. Ask other horse owners in your area or discipline what they are paying for similar services. Never choose a farrier based on cost alone. The important issue is not the cost, but the quality of service received. A more experienced farrier can be expected to charge more than someone new to the profession.

Sources: Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota and Kim Otterson, County Line Farm

Link to Original Article: http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/care/finding-a-farrier/

Water Consumption in Winter

With the approach of winter comes the increased threat of impaction colic to our horses out there. Impaction colic cases increase when the weather turns cold, mainly because the animals are not drinking enough water and staying hydrated. It’s easy to remember during the hot, sweaty summer that your horse needs lots of fresh water but this is just as important during the cold months.

An adult horse needs between 5 and 10 gallons of water per day to stay hydrated. In the winter, most horses are surviving on hay which has significantly less water than fresh forage (pasture), so they will need to get more of that water from their buckets or troughs. Heated buckets and stock tank heaters are a good way to keep your water from freezing and encourage your horses to drink. Horses will do most of their drinking within 3 hours of feeding…keep this is in mind when thinking about your watering schedule and temperature. Knowing this can help you make sure that the water is warm enough when the animals are actually interested in drinking.

Another way to encourage water consumption is to offer free-choice salt or add electrolytes to your horse’s feed. This can be especially important when the weather is changing drastically, which we are all to familiar with here in eastern North Carolina. Be sure to check with your vet on appropriate amounts for your animal!

Water is the most important nutrient for all livestock, including horses. Make sure your horses are consuming enough water during these winter months and encourage consumption with salt, electrolytes, or a mash (especially for those older horses) when it’s cold outside!

Stallion Breeding Reports

Attention American Quarter Horse Association Stallion Owners:

Don't forget to submit your stallion breeding report by November 30th to avoid any late fees. It needs to be postmarked by that date or entered on-line.

Forms can be found at: http://www.aqha.com/About/Content-Pages/About-the-Association/Services/Submit-Stallion-Breeding-Reports.aspx

Foal Management

This article will discuss foal management during the preweaning period.  Before weaning, foals are rapidly growing and can gain 2.5 to 3 pounds per day with good management.  The foal is interacting more with its environment and is becoming independent.  Below are several management topics to optimize health and future productivity of the foal.

Gentling and Halter Breaking

There are several advantages to handling a foal while it is still with its mother.  Usually, successful methods work on the principle of rewarding the foal for submitting to human touch and yielding to pressure.  Things to remember are that younger foals are smaller and easier to control.  Gentling the foal before weaning should lessen trauma and decrease possible injuries at weaning.  University studies suggest that handling during preweaning period increases the foal’s manageability and learning ability.  Foals can be halter broken after they are at least 1 week old.

Creep Feeding

Mare’s milk may not be enough energy to meet the needs of a 4 month old or older foal, so consider creep feeding.  Providing a balanced feed after 2 months of age will increase preweaning growth and get the foal used to eating feed.  Use feed formulated for foals to provide the correct nutrition.  Introduce foals to small amounts (2-3 pounds/feeding) and then gradually increase the feed until available free-choice.  Use or build a creep feeder to keep the mare and other older animals out to allow the foals to get the feed. 

 

Health Care

A horse is at the highest risk of disease for the first year of life.  Their immune system is not adequate to produce antibodies until at least 2 months of age.  The foal is depending on colostrum (received at birth) from its mother to protect it from diseases.  Diarrhea and septicemia are the biggest disease risks the first week of life.  Diarrhea can cause dehydration of the foal.  Septicemia or joint/navel ill is caused by bacteria in the blood and can cause death.  It is usually seen 3-4 days after birth.  Signs include depression, decrease nursing, diarrhea and excessive sleeping.  Other health problems include respiratory infections and pneumonia. 

Proper management of the mare and foal will reduce disease potential in foals.  Place mares in foaling area 30 days prior to foaling to give time to develop antibodies to organisms in their environment.  Make sure mares have been vaccinated and dewormed and use your veterinarian to make recommendations on when is the best time for your horses.  It is best to foal outside on a clean, grassy pasture, but if you foal in a stall make sure it is clean and disinfected between mares. 

Consult your vet about vaccination and deworming programs for foals.  Also perform regular hoof care on foals.  Cuts, bruises, and scrapes are common health problems in foals less than 6 months of age.  If possible, keep mares and foals without halters so they do not get tangled up or caught on objects.  Maintain a safe pasture environment for the curious young foals.

You have a big investment in your mare and foal, so make sure you are protecting them both and working towards having a friendly, confident foal that will hopefully have less stress when it is time to wean them.  For more in-depth reading on this topic, check out the article Foal Management During the Preweaning Period  from Alabama Cooperative Extension and eXHorses.