Reproduction

What is Equine Reproductive Services? Equine reproductive services encompass a range of veterinary and management techniques designed to support the breeding, pregnancy, and birth processes of horses. These services are utilized to optimize reproductive health, improve fertility, and ensure the successful conception and delivery of healthy foals. Reproductive services may include artificial insemination (AI), fertility evaluations, pregnancy diagnosis, embryo transfer, and postnatal care, among others.

How are Equine Reproductive Services Used? Equine reproductive services are tailored to the specific needs of both the mare and stallion. Common services and treatments include:

Fertility Evaluations: A thorough assessment of the mare’s reproductive health, including hormone testing, ultrasound exams, and physical evaluations, to ensure she is capable of carrying a pregnancy.
Artificial Insemination (AI): A method of breeding where semen is collected from a stallion and introduced into the mare’s reproductive tract, typically done when natural mating is not possible or desirable. This may be done with fresh, cooled, or frozen semen.
Pregnancy Diagnosis: Early detection of pregnancy through ultrasound or blood tests, which can confirm whether the mare is carrying a foal and help monitor the health of the pregnancy. It is paramount that a rectal ultrasound is done between 14 to 20 days after breeding to determine if the mare is foal and ensure there is not twin pregnancies. While there are very rare cases of success, the mare’s anatomy does not allow her to carry twin pregnancies to term. If there are twin vesicles the veterinarian has a small window of time to correct this and save the pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer: If the mare cannot carry a pregnancy or has reproductive issues, embryos can be harvested from her, cultured, and then transferred to a surrogate mare to carry the foal. This is not a service we currently offer but our veterinarians work closely with breeding facilities that offer this service.
Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) for Stallions: A thorough examination of the stallion’s reproductive health, including semen evaluation, to assess his fertility and suitability for breeding.
Pregnancy Monitoring and Care: Regular check-ups throughout the pregnancy, including ultrasound scans and hormone testing, to ensure the health and progress of the foal and mare.
Postnatal Care: Care for the mare after delivery to ensure a healthy recovery, as well as monitoring the foal for any signs of distress or developmental concerns. A physical examination of the foal 18-36 hours birth is paramount to setting your new baby for success. We complete an in depth examination of the foal and the mare, examine the placenta to ensure it is intact and none remain in utero, and check the foals CBC (complete blood count) and IgG. The latter determines if the foal received adequate antibodies from the mares colostrum. This “liquid gold” acts as the baby's immune system for the first 4-6 months of life. If they did not receive enough or high quality colostrum the foal is at severe risk of life threatening infections. Our practice keeps a pool of liquid plasma that can counteract this in the case the foal's IgG is low.

Benefits of Equine Reproductive Services:

Improved Fertility Rates: Reproductive services help optimize breeding success by diagnosing and addressing fertility issues in both mares and stallions, increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancies.
Enhanced Breeding Management: Services such as AI and embryo transfer offer flexibility and control over the breeding process, enabling breeders to carefully select mates and maximize the genetic potential of offspring.
Early Pregnancy Detection: Timely detection of pregnancy allows for early intervention if necessary, improving the chances of a healthy foal and reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Reproductive Health Optimization: Regular evaluations of reproductive health ensure that any underlying issues, such as hormonal imbalances or uterine infections, are addressed before they impact breeding success.
Fewer Risks in High-Value Horses: For mares or stallions that are valuable in terms of breeding or performance, reproductive services like AI and embryo transfer can reduce the risks associated with live cover breeding, such as injury or disease transmission.
Increased Genetic Diversity: Artificial insemination and embryo transfer can facilitate the use of semen from superior stallions, even those located far away, improving genetic diversity and performance potential in offspring.
Convenience and Flexibility: Reproductive services allow for breeding to take place without the logistical challenges of live cover, such as the need for mares to be physically present with stallions, and offer solutions for mares with reproductive challenges.

How Often are Equine Reproductive Services Used? The frequency of reproductive services depends on the mare's reproductive cycle, the breeding schedule, and the specific needs of the horse. For example, AI may be used once , twice, or even three to four times during the breeding season, while fertility evaluations and pregnancy monitoring are typically conducted on a regular basis throughout the process. For horses with fertility challenges, multiple visits or procedures may be necessary to optimize breeding success.

Are Equine Reproductive Services Safe? Yes, when performed by an experienced and qualified veterinarian or reproductive specialist, equine reproductive services are safe for both the mare and stallion. These procedures are non-invasive or minimally invasive, with protocols in place to reduce any risks. However, it is always important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure the health and suitability of your horses for the specific reproductive services being considered.

Conclusion: Equine reproductive services play a vital role in ensuring the success of breeding programs, optimizing fertility, and managing the health of both mares and stallions throughout the reproductive process. Whether you're breeding for performance, genetic quality, or other goals, these services provide expert care and valuable tools to increase your chances of a healthy foal. By working closely with a skilled reproductive veterinarian, you can ensure the best outcomes for both your horses and your breeding program.