Reproduction & Breeding

1. EQUINE MEDICINE
Reproduction and Breeding

2. Stallion
 Sperm production
 Begins as yearling
 Maturity at 4 yrs
 Ejaculation
 Emission
• Release of semen
• Pulsatile contractions
 Ejaculation
• Expulsion of fluid

3. Mare
 Placenta
 Direct attachment
• Blood
• Oxygen
• Nutrients

4. Cycles
 Seasonally polyestrus
 Start-15-24 months
 Lasts 21-22 days
 Regular season
• Jan/Feb-June
 Transition phase
• Feb/March
• Sept/Oct

5. Cycles  Follicle stimulating phase
 Estrus behavior
• Relaxed cervix
• Clear discharge
• Raised tail
• Squat/Urinate
• Winking
• Begins 6-8 days
• Breeding 3-4 days
 Luteal phase
 Progesterone
production
• Swish tail
• Pin ears, kick

6. Fertilization
 Occurs in ova duct
 Uterine horn-5-6 days
 Implantation 15-18 days
 Gestation-335 days

7. Sterility
 Abortion
 Fetal loss <300 days gestation
 Still birth
 Fetal loss >300 days gestation

8. Breeding Considerations
 Appearance
 Pedigree
 Genetic abnormalities
 Disposition
 Conformation
 Athletic ability

9. Breeding Considerations
 Age
 Young
• Irregular heat cycles
 Aged
• Anatomical changes

10. Breeding Considerations
 Breed
 Requirements for registry
 Status
 Maiden
 Barren/open
 Wet

11. Breeding Considerations
 Breeding Records
 Health
 Gestation length
 Abnormalities
 Athletic Use
 Injuries/Disease
 Drug Therapies
 Health
 Nutrition

12. Mating
 Live Cover
 Horses held
 Pasture
 Best conception rate
 Artificial
Insemination
 Not all registries
 Safest for mare and foal

13. Mating
Embryo Transfer
Flushing
Implantation
Surgical
Implantation

14. Pregnancy Diagnosis
 Rectal Palpation
 Late in first semester
 Ultrasound
 14 days gestation
 22 days heart beat
 Blood Work
 Pregnancy diagnosis
 Pregnancy support

15. Pregnant Mare Care
 Routine dental and
hoof care
 Nutrition
 Parasite Control
 Vaccinations