Seven-Step Pre-Breeding Season Checklist
Now is the time to make sure your mare is flourishing with good health in advance of breeding season. Taking stock of her breeding readiness allows ample time to correct any issues that might prevent her from getting and staying in foal.
1. Find a veterinarian skilled in reproduction
A veterinarian skilled in reproduction can make the entire breeding process flow more smoothly. From helping you identify when your mare is ready to breed, to the handling of frozen or cooled semen, a reproduction specialist can potentially save you time and money. If your regular veterinarian doesn’t do reproductive work, ask her for a referral. You can also talk to your friends about which veterinarians in your area have the expertise you’re looking for.
2. Breeding Soundness Exam
If you’re unfamiliar with your mare’s breeding history, or you did not do a breeding soundness exam as part of the pre-purchase exam, now is the time for a thorough reproductive exam by your veterinarian. A comprehensive breeding soundness evaluation includes rectal palpation to assess the ovaries and uterus, as well as a speculum exam and manual palpation of the cervix. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend a rectal ultrasound of the reproductive tract to check for excessive fluid within the uterus, cysts, tumors or other abnormalities. She will also assess your mare’s overall health and reproductive and general history.
For postpartum mares, the exam will also evaluate any vaginal tears, uterine involution or other problems that may have resulted from foaling.
3. Uterine Culture and Cytology
As part of the breeding soundness exam, your veterinarian can perform a uterine culture to check for infections. This can also be performed separately if you’re not doing a full exam. If it’s indicated, your veterinarian may also recommend a uterine biopsy. Findings from the culture or biopsy can be addressed and treated accordingly.
4. Body Condition Score
Body condition score (BCS) is important when you’re trying to get your mare in foal. Ideally you want her to rate a 5 on the scale of 1-9 on the Henneke system. Overly fat or thin mares may be more difficult to get in foal because of disrupted hormone regulation. Of course a mare with a less than ideal BCS may get pregnant, but a healthy BCS reduces potential challenges of getting and keeping her in foal.
5. Nutrition
Nutrition is a critical component for your mare’s overall health and BCS. The proper balance of calories, vitamins and minerals from quality grass, hay and concentrated feeds, ensures your mare can conceive and carry a new foal. Talk with your veterinarian to develop the best feeding program based on what forage is available in your area. For reference, ISF feeds Triple Crown Nutrition along with grass hay, as well as providing access to pasture for its broodmare band.
6. Farrier
Even if your mare isn’t being ridden, she should have regular attention from your farrier. Imbalanced hooves put unnecessary stress on tendons, ligaments and other structures that may impede how successfully your mare can carry a foal to term.
7. Routine immunizations, parasite control and dental care
Keeping your mare up to date on her immunizations, deworming and proper dental care are essential to her overall health and well-being. Now is the time to take care of any outstanding dental appointments or other routine health care.
While breeding season is still many months away, now is the perfect time to get your mare ready to produce the foal of your dreams.
Disclaimer:
All content provided by Iron Spring Farm is general and for informational purposes only. Content may also not constitute the most up to date information. Nothing in this content is intended to constitute veterinarian advice or to serve as a substitute for consultation with a veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified provider with any questions that you may have about the treatment and care of your horse.
Any reliance that you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk and Iron Spring Farm, its officers, employees, representatives, and agents, hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, consequential or other damages arising directly or indirectly from access to or use of any content provided to the maximum extent permitted by law.
