Horse breeding from planning through foal care
For years foal owners have struggled with controlling the bacterium Rhodococcus equi and the infections it causes—some farms manage cases annually, despite following strict farm management strategies to reduce risk of infection.
Dr. Juan Samper discusses twin reduction, the determination of fetal gender, the veterinarian’s role in breeding sheds, mare behavior, embryo recovery, and more topics from the theriogenology/reproduction session at the 2010 AAEP Convention.
Colonization of the foal’s GI tract by pathogenic organisms can lead to diarrhea. Research has focused on identifying organisms responsible for the diarrhea, but less research has looked at what allows the pathogenic organisms to become established.
Determining the cause of early fetal loss is very difficult, and in many instances the aborted fetus is reabsorbed or lost.
One of the popular Table Topics sessions held at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Meeting, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md., revolved around equine embryo transfer.
R. equi is a dangerous pathogen that causes pneumonia in foals that are generally between the ages of 3 weeks and 5 months. In cases that caretakers and veterinarians catch early on, the foal can make a full recovery with proper treatment. However in more serious cases, the mortality rate is quite high.
Tips on properly caring for the pregnant mare, newborn foal, and growing foal up to weaning with Dr. Nathan Slovis of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Excerpted tips on properly caring for the pregnant mare, newborn foal, and growing foal up to weaning with Dr. Nathan Slovis of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Update on assisted reproduction techniques, fetal programming, and stallion management strategies from the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. (Interview with Dr. Katrin Hinrichs of Texas A&M University)
Proper nutrition, of course, is a critical factor in raising a healthy, sound foal–both for the broodmare before the foal is born as well as for the mare and foal throughout the foal’s development.
Registration is now open for the second annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course, hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture in partnership with the University of Minnesota. The Short Course will be held Jan. 21 and 22 at The Red Mile race track in Lexington
Dummy foal syndrome is not a disease but, rather, a broad term that applies to foals that exhibit abnormal, often vague behaviors and/or neurologic signs during their first few days of life.
Live cover breeding of horses remains a popular choice. Whatever your reason for choosing this method, these 10 tips will be useful as you plan a mating. Attention to safety and behavior go a long way in making the experience positive and successful.
Geneticists have created tools and tests that help horse breeders select for healthy foals. Furthermore, access to the equine genome means scientists can examine common diseases and conditions and find ways to prevent (and one day treat) them.
Is it possible to hear a fetal horse’s heart rate with a high-quality stethoscope? If so, at about what stage of gestation, and what is the optimal position of the drum?
A mare should be brought inside at night beginning 30 to 45 days before her due date. This is done for two reasons. The first is so she can become comfortable with the surroundings and feel that the foaling stall is a safe, private place. Mares that are not at ease might delay foaling and prolong their labor until they feel more secure. Such a delay can lead to complications.
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