b'8 STEPS FOR BREEDING YOUR MAREsometimes looking at her three times aas the fluid has to move uphill.day, and we learn a lot every time we lookIf they have fluid inTo help clear the uterus, Wolfsdorf at her. their uterus, I see it asrecommends broodmare managers turn Once youve pinpointed a time torecently bred mares out so they can move breed, have your veterinarian overseean indication thataround. the live cover (TheHorse.com/129053)theres something phys- Oxytocin administration, uterine or artificial insemination (TheHorse. lavage, and acupuncture can also help com/151875).iologically impaired.the uterus contract. In addition, medica-DR. MARGO MACPHERSON tions such as misoprostol or Buscopan Step 7: Encourage uterine clear- can encourage the cervix to relax, which ance, especially in problem mares can help older maiden mares with tight Every time a mare is bred, her bodyit as an indication that theres somethingcervices that prevent drainage.has a natural inflammatory response,physiologically impaired, says Macpher-usually within the first 12 hours afterson, such as an issue with uterineStep 8: Check for pregnancybreeding, to rid the uterus of dead sperm,contractility, uterine drainage, or cervicalOnce your mare has been bred, the inflammatory cells, debris, and contami- relaxation.final crucial step is to ensure she is nants. Under natural breeding condi- Some mares, especially those that havepregnant. Your veterinarian can con-tions, mares are bred many, many times,had several foals and a stretched uterus,firm pregnancy via ultrasound 14 to 15 and her reproductive tract has the abilitymight have difficulty with this naturaldays post-ovulation. If the mare is not to clear and clean up after those multipleclearing process because gravity is not onpregnant, your veterinarian can explore breedings, says Macpherson.their side. A young mares uterus is abovepossible causes and address them before Breeding in a man-made situationthe pelvis and can clear contaminantstrying to breed her again.can affect the clearing process, result- better through the cervix, vagina, andFor more information on how to man-ing in persistent post-breeding-inducedvulva. In a mare that has had multipleage a pregnant mare, talk with your vet-endometritis.foals, the uterus can hang below theerinarian and visit TheHorse.com/ topics/ If they have fluid in their uterus, I seepelvic level, impairing uterine clearancemare-care.hThe feeling you get.raising yourown foal.Its why we do what we do.Contribute TMOmega-3 Fatty AcidsMaintains optimal sperm production and semen quality throughout the breeding season. Supports increased conception rates in mares.Satisfaction guaranteed.The horse that matters to you matters to us Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com to order today.TH 2018-11bTheHorse.com|The HorseDecember 201923BreedingMares.indd 23 10/31/19 2:21 PM'