Breeding and Reproduction

Horse breeding from planning through foal care

May 12 Update: Foal Loss Appears to Be Slowing

As the breeding season winds to a close, you expect to see fewer foals being born. Therefore, there are fewer chances for the current syndrome to affect late-gestation mares. It also seems, however, that the loss of late-term gestations–and

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Kentucky Diagnostic Center Fetal/Foal Loss Update, 5/16

As of noon May 16, the Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center had received nine additional aborted/stillborn equine fetuses/foals (five early-term and four late-term) for diagnostic testing/evaluation. The total received since April 28, 2001,

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Kentucky Diagnostic Center Fetal/Foal Loss Update, 5/15

As of noon May 15, the Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center had received 26 additional aborted/stillborn equine fetuses/foals (18 late-term and eight early-term) for diagnostic testing/evaluation. The total received since April 28, 2001, is

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Additional Information on Zearalenone

In the industry-wide meeting at Keeneland on Thursday, May 10, zearalenone, a kind of mycotoxin, was put forth as a possible cause of the recent rash of late-term stillbirths, critical foals, and early fetal loss. But while experts seem to be in

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Glossary Of Terms For Mare Reproductive Loss Syndromes

Following is a glossary of terms related to the mare reproductive loss syndromes in horses. This will be a living document–we will add to it as requested or as necessary. If you have any terms you would like to see listed on this document,

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Kentucky’s Fields Of Dreams Now Nightmares

The old-timers say Kentucky is horse country because of its soil. What’s now growing on that soil could be the cause of a rash of late-term losses in foals, early embryonic death, pericarditis (fluid surrounding the heart), reduced growth rates

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Elective Cesarean Sections: Who Needs Them?

Many horse breeders and owners are familiar with the circumstances that necessitate an emergency cesarean section. Those circumstances involve the mare and/or unborn foal being in imminent danger due to birthing difficulties (also known as

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Feeding Young Horses: It’s Not the Protein

Genetics, exercise, and nutrition all play a role in the occurrence of developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) in young horses. There are, however, conflicting theories regarding the role of each. Breeds selected for rapid growth are at an

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Orphan Foal Farm Directory

The following farms raise orphan foals. If your orphan care service is not listed here or your listing needs to be updated, fax us at 859/276-4450 or e-mail Read More

Untimely End–Early Embryonic Death

Breeding horses can be both exhilarating and devastating. Wrapped up in the process are hopes, dreams, and visions of future greatness and glory. The hopes and dreams begin with the selection of a stallion for your special mare. You assess her

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Septic Arthritis: Joint Savings

However, the most common cause of lameness that veterinarians see in neonatal foals is caused by septic arthritis, not careless mares. Septic arthritis also can be seen in older foals and adult horses, but the cause usually is quite different from th

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Castration In The Horse

In this article, we’ll see how an orchidectomy is performed in the horse, when it can be performed, potential complications, and the myths behind castration in horses.

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Pferd im herbstlichen Wald

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