A wide range of reproduction topics specific to stallions, mares, and foals were discussed at the Bluegrass Equine Reproduction Symposium Oct. 23-26 in Lexington, Ky., sponsored by Hagyard-Davidson-McGee. Following are reports of a few topics; more can be seen online in the Bluegrass Equine Reproduction Symposium category under Convention Reports at www.TheHorse.com.

Environmental Effects on Hormone Activity

Some natural and man-made compounds in the environment can disrupt the delicate reproduction hormone balance in many species, possibly including horses, says Cynthia Corbitt Gulledge, PhD, of the University of Louisville's biology department. Gulledge presented "Hormones and Anti-Hormones in the Environment: Relevance for Equine Reproduction."

"Chemical confusion can result when environmental chemicals trick the body into thinking that they're the natural ones," she said. Another problem is when environmental chemicals block the action of an animal's hormones. She cited documented instances of infertility, feminization of males, subfertility, and altered puberty due to environmental chemicals and/or hormones in other species. Her suggestion was that although this cause of reproductive dysfunction had not been studied in horses, it should be considered in cases of reproductive abnormalities with no apparent cause