Equine Breeding and Reproduction
Equine Breeding and Reproduction
AND REPRODUCTION
REPRODUCTION
• the process of getting genetic material
from the male to genetic material from
the female through the union of sperm
and egg cells.
Result to:
producing offspring with regularity
protect the future reproductive capabilities of the mare
Factors contributing to poor
reproductive performance:
GENERAL:
• reproductive anatomy
• long time period before an embryo can
safely implant in the uterus
• Variable hormonal system
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - STALLION
EJACULATION
Three parts:
1.ERECTION
stimulated by teasing the stallion. lengthens and stiffens
through engorgement with blood.
2.EMISSION/INSERTION
1. spermatozoa and fluid from the accessory glands arrive in the
pelvic urethra.
3. EJACULATION
semen is expelled through the urethra.
Quantitative Data on Stallion Semen and
Spermatozoa
Season
Testicular size
Age
Frequency of
ejaculation
MARE REPRODUCTIVE
ANATOMY
Vulva
Vagina Left Ovary
Cervix Vagina
Cervix Oviduct
Uterus
Oviducts
Ovaries Left Uterine
Horn
Uterine Body
CONSIDERATIONS OF MARE FOR
BREEDING
Age hereditary
past breeding disorders
Appearance
records
previous athletic use Pedigree
Temperament
general health
Conformation
Breed
performance
Status
EDING CHARACTERISTICS OF MARES
Wet mare
has foaled during the current
breeding season and is nursing
The Open
Mare
Receptors in eye
Neuropathway Neuropathway
Pineal gland
Decreasing melatonin Increasing melatonin
Hypothalamus
Increasing GnRH Decreasing GnRH
Anterior pituitary
Increasing Decreasing
gonadotropins gonadotropins
Ovaries
14-16 days
21 days
CYCLE
5-7 days
SIGNS OF
ESTRUS • Most consistent
– Elevated tail raise
– Winking the vulva
• Other supporting signs
– Leaning
– Squatting
– Standing still
– Urinating
ESTRUS
Increase FSH & Estrogen
Accepts the male
Tail up, vulva winks
Relaxed/open cervix
DIESTRUS
Decrease FSH & Estrogen
Increase Progesterone
Rejects the male
Ears back, kicking
Closed cervix
Transition
Artificial lighting
Shortening Late Transition
Inducing Ovulation
Estrus synchronization
Postpartum
Estrus
Foal Heat
Fertile as compared to other species.
Breeding
may be necessary to maintain
the 12 mo. Foaling interval.
May be necessary to back up foaling.
PGF2
Lutalayse or Estrumate
Shorten the interval
between estrous periods
Treatment of a maintained
corpus luteum
After foal heat
Estrous synchronization
with prostaglandins
ORMONAL CYCLE
FOLLICLE STIMULATING PHASE
• Stage which causes the mare come
into heat and ovulate
LUTEAL PHASE
• follows after ovulation – formation of
corpus luteum and its production of
progesterone
• the high level of progesterone during
the luteal phase maintains pregnancy
by keeping FSH and estrogen in check
– preventing the mare from coming
into estrus.
• Progesterone relaxes the uterus for
embryo implantation – establishment
Ovulation
the release of egg from the mature follicle
on the ovary. One follicle will ovulate but
occasionally, two follicles ovulate at the end
of the estrus period – twin fetus – high risk of
abortion, dystocia and retained placenta.
after fertilization,
eggs travels to
uterus – 5 to 6
Once in the uterine horn, embryo
days. is mobile that
it bounces back around and move from one
uterine horn to the other. By 16 to 18 days -
settles in part of the horn where implantation
takes place
CONCEPT
ION
No conception – prostaglandins (group
of hormones that are unsaturated fatty acids
and responsible for the control of cycle and
timing of parturition) are release to destroy
the corpus luteum, reduce progesterone and
allow mare to go into cycle.
With conception – no released of
prostaglandins, corpus luteum remains
dominant.
Pregnanc
y
Diagnosis
Ultrasound, 14-18 days
ID twins
ID placental
development
Re-evaluate, 40 days
60 to 70 days – sex of the foal
Monitor Placental function & fetal
growth
Gestation
Length
Normal: 335-342
days
Signs of impending
parturation
Stage 1
Onset:initial uterine
contractions
End:rupture of
chorioallantois (water
bag)
Stage 2
Onset:rupture of
chorioallantois
End: delivery of fetus
Stages of Parturition
NVOLUTION
The process during which the uterus
returns to normal following parturition or
return to its non-pregnant size.
involute within ten days.
older mares who have had many foals
involute more slowly than younger mares.
during involution, may cause abdominal
pain and some colic-like symptoms.
Normal and Abnormal Postpartum
Occurrences
LOCHIA
brown fluid found in the uterus during uterine involution
following pregnancy.
Colic
common during the first week post partum
Hand Breeding
Artificial Insemination