The process of breeding a mare can vary widely depending on numerous factors. The basic needs have always been the same: a mare, a stallion, and good health care. Each of these factors can present individual challenges.
The basics of equine breeding can be broken down into two options: Live Cover & Artificial Insemination. There are many ups and downs of both options. Live cover (or natural breeding) sounds to be the easier of the two options, however, there are many downsides. Why choose artificial insemination over live cover?
1. Protecting the horse: Both mares & stallions can be unpredictable in breeding season. A stallion can be aggressive and cause extensive damage to mares neck & back. A mare can kick and strike out if the stallion is being over zealous or she is not liking his behavior.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases & bacteria: A mare's uterus can be sensitive to bacterial changes, and a stallion can easily carry infection from one mare to another. While not common, venereal diseases in horses can be easily transmitted.
3. Wider selection of genetics: With new technics in collection and shipping, semen can be sent across the world safely and effectively. This allows owners to be selective and have better genetic options for their herd.
So you have decided to breed your mare, what next?
1. Select your stallion: Is he close by? Will you need to bring your mare to him? Is the semen frozen or fresh?
2. Decide when you want to breed your mare: Do you want an early season birth? Then you will need to plan ahead to put your mare under lights. If not, you should begin to have your mare checked in March/April, earlier if you see her showing signs of heat.
3. Get a reproductive health check up early in the breeding season: This includes a physical exam, ultrasound, cervical exam, and uterine culture. Doing so prevents delays in successful breeding and losing a fertile cycle due to infection or other problems.
4. Come up with a plan with your veterinarian for breeding, pregnancy, and foaling!
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment today!
- Dr. Sara Miller
The basics of equine breeding can be broken down into two options: Live Cover & Artificial Insemination. There are many ups and downs of both options. Live cover (or natural breeding) sounds to be the easier of the two options, however, there are many downsides. Why choose artificial insemination over live cover?
1. Protecting the horse: Both mares & stallions can be unpredictable in breeding season. A stallion can be aggressive and cause extensive damage to mares neck & back. A mare can kick and strike out if the stallion is being over zealous or she is not liking his behavior.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases & bacteria: A mare's uterus can be sensitive to bacterial changes, and a stallion can easily carry infection from one mare to another. While not common, venereal diseases in horses can be easily transmitted.
3. Wider selection of genetics: With new technics in collection and shipping, semen can be sent across the world safely and effectively. This allows owners to be selective and have better genetic options for their herd.
So you have decided to breed your mare, what next?
1. Select your stallion: Is he close by? Will you need to bring your mare to him? Is the semen frozen or fresh?
2. Decide when you want to breed your mare: Do you want an early season birth? Then you will need to plan ahead to put your mare under lights. If not, you should begin to have your mare checked in March/April, earlier if you see her showing signs of heat.
3. Get a reproductive health check up early in the breeding season: This includes a physical exam, ultrasound, cervical exam, and uterine culture. Doing so prevents delays in successful breeding and losing a fertile cycle due to infection or other problems.
4. Come up with a plan with your veterinarian for breeding, pregnancy, and foaling!
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment today!
- Dr. Sara Miller