Welcoming a new foal is an exciting prospect for any mare owner, particularly for those new to breeding. The anticipation of a future foal’s potential, the waiting for the birth, and that first glimpse of the newborn are all part of the journey. However, when breeding attempts are unsuccessful, the mounting costs of veterinary care, mare maintenance, and semen shipping can become a concern. Fortunately, by implementing a few key strategies, mare owners can significantly improve conception rates and reduce overall expenses.
The renowned Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, boasts a conception success rate exceeding 95 percent. Dr. Glenn Blodgett, the ranch’s lead veterinarian for over two decades, attributes this success to a synergistic approach involving optimal nutrition, fertile horses, and diligent mare management. While not every owner manages a large herd, Blodgett emphasizes that even those with a single mare can enhance their chances of conception with straightforward practices.
Selecting the Right Stallion
The fertility of the chosen stallion plays a crucial role in the success of breeding. Beyond meeting all other requirements, prioritizing a stallion known for good fertility is essential. While most stallions are reasonably fertile, some may present challenges. “If you’re trying to breed – especially with shipped semen – you need to take that into consideration,” states Dr. Blodgett.
Stallion popularity and the owner’s desired breeding timeline are also important factors. A highly sought-after stallion during peak breeding season may experience significant demand. “The best thing to do is be prepared and ask the stallion manager questions. It’s OK to ask how well a stallion ships, if he’s under breeding pressure and about semen availability,” advises Blodgett. Gathering this information early allows mare owners to coordinate with their veterinarian or mare manager, ensuring timely breeding requests and understanding semen availability and shipping procedures.
The Importance of Healthy Body Condition
A mare’s overall health is paramount for successful conception. Dr. Blodgett highlights that a mare’s ribs should not be visible; if they are, she is likely too thin. Proper body condition encourages better cycling, thus increasing conception chances. Thin mares, especially those nursing foals, may experience disrupted cycles. “It is very important to have a bred mare in good body condition before she has her foal because ‘it is easier to put weight on them before they foal,’” he adds.
Modern advancements in equine nutrition mean that most commercially available feeds are balanced and healthy. The specific dietary needs of a mare depend on her environment and forage intake, often requiring supplemental nutrition. “The mares can get the nutrients they need in lots of different forms. It doesn’t matter if it’s by pellets or a textured feed, as long as they get the nutrients,” Blodgett explains.
Ensuring Regular Estrus Cycles
Regular cycling is a prerequisite for breeding. While mares typically cycle naturally later in the season, earlier breeding may necessitate intervention. “Using lights is important for breeding earlier in the year – especially in January and February and even March,” says Blodgett. This involves keeping the mare in a well-lit stall or pen from afternoon until late evening for at least 60 days.
Contrary to a common assumption, a mare doesn’t always cycle immediately after foaling with her “foal heat.” Blodgett stresses that mares foaling early in the year may not cycle as expected. Artificial lighting and good body condition are key to promoting normal cycling post-foaling. While hormone therapy can be used for mares not cycling normally, they must meet specific criteria. “If she’s not cycling, then time is about the only thing you have,” Blodgett notes, reiterating that prevention through lighting and good body condition is the most effective strategy.
Partnering with an Experienced Veterinarian
Research indicates that conception rates tend to be lower with shipped semen, partly due to varying levels of veterinarian experience in equine reproduction. Mare owners should inquire about their veterinarian’s experience with breeding, particularly with cooled transported or frozen semen. “If they’ve never done it, the mare owner needs to consider finding someone with experience. They can ask around and get recommendations,” Blodgett advises.
Scheduling Veterinary Check-ups
For maiden mares, a pre-breeding soundness examination can be beneficial. However, before the mare begins cycling, a veterinarian can primarily confirm the presence of all necessary reproductive organs. “If they’re not cycling, it’s difficult to get a true read. The vet can make sure there’s nothing abnormal, and then make a better assessment of what is going on once she starts to cycle,” Blodgett explains. A post-foaling check-up within a few days of birth is also recommended to ensure the mare’s health and readiness for re-breeding.
Diligent Mare Observation
Dr. Blodgett advises against breeding a mare during her foal heat if the goal is a successful and sustained pregnancy. “In general, if you want the mare to get and stay pregnant, it’s better to let them go through their foal heat and come back in.”
For open or maiden mares, determining if she is cycling is the first step. If not, the mare can return home and be re-evaluated later. “There is no reason to continue paying for mare care if she’s not close to cycling,” he states. If the mare is cycling, veterinary assistance can be used to expedite her next heat.
For owners comfortable with a slightly later foaling date, observing the mare for signs of heat can be a more economical approach. While some mares exhibit “silent” heats, most display distinct behaviors such as squatting, leaning against fences, raising their tail, or vulvar “winking.” If these signs are observed, it’s time for a veterinary check.
Mares typically cycle every 21 days. To avoid missing a cycle, owners should begin monitoring around day 14 after ovulation. “You don’t want to wait until day 21 because you’ll miss it again,” Blodgett cautions.
Confirming Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be confirmed approximately two weeks post-breeding. “If we know when the mare ovulated to the day, we can check 13-14 days later,” says Blodgett. This timing allows ample opportunity to plan for the mare’s next cycle if conception does not occur. The key takeaways for mare owners are to maintain the mare in good condition, select a fertile stallion, work with an experienced veterinarian, and generally avoid breeding on foal heat unless necessary. Remember, mares will likely cycle again, providing another opportunity for breeding.
