Foal

equine reproduction, assisted reproductive techniques horses, artificial insemination horses, embryo transfer horses, ICSI horses, equine IVF, horse breeding technologies, equine cloning

As winter gives way to spring, longer days signal the start of the breeding season across the horse industry. This time of year brings renewed focus on reproduction, with veterinarians playing a key role in guiding breeding decisions and supporting reproductive techniques. The following articles explore several of these technologies and how they are used to help breeders achieve successful outcomes during the spring breeding season.

equine embryo production, IVEP horses, ICSI horses, equine genetics, embryo transfer horses, horse breeding technology, equine reproductive techniques, genetic testing horses

Embryo collection by embryo flushing after breeding has been available in horses for decades. More recently, the ability to produce embryos in a laboratory (in vitro) has expanded and refined equine embryo production, greatly benefitting the equine industry. This technique has gained widespread adoption due to its growing potential and economic advantages. Beyond its role in fertility management, there are significant applications in breeding, genetic preservation, and research.

equine pregnancy, foaling prediction, horse gestation length, fetal development horses, ultrasound pregnancy horses, foal health monitoring, equine reproduction research, predicting foaling date

Understanding equine pregnancy is essential to ensuring the best care for mares and foals. In particular, accurate foaling predictions are important for organizing surveillance in case the mare needs veterinary assistance. They also help breeders make decisions about future breeding dates, participation in competitions, and sales.

equine reproduction, assisted reproductive techniques horses, embryo transfer horses, ICSI horses, horse cloning, equine genetics, breeding technology horses, equine fertility

It is important to understand the benefits and costs of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) to ensure alignment with breeding goals.

breeding horses, should i breed my mare, how to breed mare, how to find stallion, tania millen, merrington warmbloods lisa longtin, cwhba fall classic,

As winter subsides and a new season approaches, mare owners eagerly anticipate selecting the perfect stallion. However, before making breeding decisions, several crucial factors must be considered to ensure a successful and responsible outcome.

preparing for foal delivery, making foaling stall, mare labour, horses in labour, mare rejecting foal

Caring for a newborn foal requires a thorough understanding of what to expect before, during, and after birth. Knowing what is normal and abnormal during this crucial time helps ensure a healthy start to life for your foal.

kentucky equine, equine research, foal oxygen, foal oxygen deprivation, horse oxygen, foal health, horse breeding health, neurologic conditions horses

The majority of mares experience a smooth and uncomplicated birth, with the foal typically standing and nursing within an hour or two. Within a few days, the foal is often seen following the mare around the pasture and enjoying a nap in the sun. However, complications during or after birth can occasionally lead to a lack of oxygen reaching the foal's brain. This oxygen deprivation can result in conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS), commonly referred to as "wanderers," "sleepers," "barkers," or "dummy foals" by barn managers.

equine embryo transfer, donor mare, breeding top mare, breeding top horses, juan samper, equine pregnancy

Embryo Transfer (ET) is an excellent solution for breeding your top mare while allowing her to continue competing. This process involves breeding your donor mare—the mare you want to breed—and allowing her to carry the pregnancy for approximately seven to eight days. At this point, the embryo (the early-stage foal) is carefully removed (flushed) from the donor mare and transferred to a recipient mare (surrogate) for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Purina Canada, how to wean a foal, weaning foal, nutrition for mare, nutrition for foal, is my foal ready to wean, evolution maternity, purina juvenile, purina optimal, foal nutrition

Separating a foal from its mother can be a stressful time for the mare and especially for her baby. But there are many ways to make the transition easier and reduce the risks for both.

equine neurological conditions, uc davis center for equine health, infectious diseases horses, horse headshaking, diseases in foals, flies disease spread horses

Neurologic issues can affect horses at any age, and clinical signs can result from infectious and non-infectious causes. Increased understanding of equine neurologic conditions has enabled earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes, and vaccines have reduced the spread of infectious diseases. However, diagnosis and treatment remain challenging in some cases.

Pages