Live cover breeding, also referred to as natural service, is a fundamental method in equine reproduction where a stallion and mare mate directly. This process, distinct from artificial insemination (AI), involves minimal human intervention and often reduced costs, making it a popular choice in the horse industry. Some breed registries, such as the Jockey Club for Thoroughbreds, even mandate live cover for foal registration, preserving traditional breeding practices. This article delves into the different types of live cover breeding, their associated advantages and disadvantages, essential safety measures, and critical disease prevention strategies.
Understanding Live Cover Breeding Methods
Breeders can choose between two primary methods of natural service: pasture breeding and in-hand breeding. The selection often depends on factors such as the value of the horses, available staff, and the acceptable level of risk.
Pasture Breeding
Pasture breeding is characterized by allowing a stallion to run with a group of mares, typically 15 to 20, in a pasture. Mares are often introduced to the pasture a week or two before the stallion to establish a social order. This method is favored for its cost-effectiveness and minimal handling requirements, as it bypasses the need for closely monitoring individual mares’ estrus cycles or extensive stallion training for semen collection. However, pasture breeding offers limited supervision, increasing the risk of undetected injuries to horses and making it difficult to pinpoint accurate conception dates, which impacts the mare’s due date calculation.
Pen Breeding
A variation of pasture breeding, pen breeding is conducted in a smaller, confined space like a pen or corral. This method offers a more controlled environment than a large pasture while still allowing natural mating. A single stallion is introduced to a mare in estrus within the pen, which must be free of hazards and securely fenced. Pen breeding facilitates closer monitoring of the horses, allowing for intervention in cases of aggression. It’s also more efficient for breeders with limited space and can ensure mating occurs within a specific timeframe. Nevertheless, it provides less room for horses to retreat from aggression, is less efficient as the stallion only breeds one mare at a time, and requires constant supervision for safety.
In-Hand Breeding
In-hand breeding, also known as controlled breeding, is often the preferred method for high-value horses due to its ability to minimize the risk of injury to both the stallion and mare. This method involves handlers actively managing the breeding process under controlled conditions. A significant advantage of in-hand breeding is the precise knowledge of the breeding date, crucial for estimating the mare’s due date. It also allows for semen evaluation from a dismount sample and ensures proper hygiene before breeding. However, in-hand breeding demands considerably more management and personnel involvement. This includes using a “teaser” stallion to identify mares in heat, repeated teasing, rectal palpations or ultrasounds to determine optimal breeding times, and the participation of at least three trained individuals.
Safety Measures and Equipment
Both in-hand and pasture breeding necessitate a focus on safety to prevent injuries and ensure the well-being of all involved.
Restraint and Protective Equipment
For in-hand breeding, appropriate restraint is crucial. This often involves a chain lead shank and a twitch for the mare. Leg straps or breeding hobbles may be used to prevent kicking, while kick boots and leather neck aprons can offer further protection. Some mares may require sedation. Stallions are typically controlled with a chain lead shank or breeding bridle. Training stallions to lead, stop, and back on command is essential to reduce dangerous behaviors during breeding.
Handlers and Location
The safety of handlers is paramount. Helmets, safety vests, and work boots are recommended. At least three trained personnel are needed: one to handle the stallion, one for the mare, and one to direct the stallion if necessary. The breeding area itself must be safe, with a non-slip, dust-free floor, often made of synthetic or rubber materials for traction. The space should be uncluttered to prevent entanglement. Some stallions may prefer breeding on an “uphill” surface, and mats can be used to adjust the height difference between the stallion and mare.
Disease Prevention in Live Cover Breeding
Natural service significantly increases the risk of venereal disease transmission compared to artificial insemination, where semen extenders can neutralize many pathogens. Strict testing protocols are therefore essential.
Bacterial Endometritis
This is a common condition following breeding, characterized by inflammation of the uterine lining caused by bacteria entering the uterus. It can lead to infertility in mares. Thorough cleaning of the mare’s perineum and the stallion’s penis can reduce this risk.
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)
CEM is a bacterial infection caused by Taylorella equigenitalis. While stallions show few symptoms, mares may experience temporary infertility. Both stallions and mares should be tested via swabs before breeding. Treatment involves antibiotics and cleaning of the genitalia.
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
EVA is a viral infection that can cause abortion in mares. It spreads through respiratory secretions and semen. Testing all stallions entering a breeding program is recommended, as many horses are asymptomatic carriers. Vaccinations are available for young stallions.
Equine Coital Exanthema
Caused by equine herpesvirus-3 (EHV-3), this virus creates erosions on the vulva or penis. While usually resolving within weeks, EHV-3 can reactivate and lead to significant losses in breeding opportunities. Pre-breeding examinations are key to preventing its spread.
Dourine
This lethal protozoal disease, Trypanosoma equiperdum, is found in various regions and is presumed to be venereally transmitted. It causes fever, discharge, skin lesions, and neurological issues, often leading to death. Asymptomatic carriers exist, making testing crucial in affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is live cover breeding?
Live cover breeding, or natural service, is when a stallion and mare mate directly without assisted reproductive technologies. It’s common in the horse industry and required by certain breed registries like Thoroughbreds.
What are the pros and cons of live cover breeding?
Pros include lower costs compared to AI, less veterinary involvement, and eligibility for specific registries. Cons include a higher risk of injury and venereal disease transmission, and less logistical flexibility as both horses must be present.
What is the difference between pasture breeding and in-hand breeding?
Pasture breeding involves turning a stallion out with a group of mares with minimal supervision. In-hand breeding is controlled, with handlers present to manage the mating for safety and precision, especially for high-value horses.
Can live cover breeding be used for high-value horses?
Yes, but in-hand breeding is usually preferred to minimize injury risk. This requires experienced handlers, proper restraint, and suitable facilities.
Why do some breed registries require live cover?
Registries like the Jockey Club for Thoroughbreds mandate live cover to uphold traditional breeding standards and pedigree integrity. Foals from AI are typically not eligible for registration in these breeds.
How does live cover breeding compare to artificial insemination?
Live cover is generally less expensive, requires less veterinary involvement, and is mandatory for some registries. However, it carries higher risks of injury and disease and offers less flexibility. AI is more costly and management-intensive but provides greater control, reduced disease risk, and improved safety and logistical flexibility.
Summary
The primary forms of live cover breeding are pasture and in-hand methods. Natural service inherently carries a higher risk of venereal disease transmission, making pre-breeding testing imperative. In-hand breeding, while demanding extensive personnel involvement and training, is effective in reducing injury risks for mares and stallions. The most prevalent venereal diseases in horses include contagious equine metritis, equine viral arteritis, equine coital exanthema, and dourine.
References
https://dogcarestory.com/medieval-horse-breeds/
https://dogcarestory.com/battle-horse-breeds/
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/live-cover-breeding-horses
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/pen-breeding-horses
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/restraint-and-protective-equipment-horses
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/handlers-and-breeding-location-horses
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/breeding-procedure-horses
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/disease-prevention-horses
https://www.madbarn.com/blog/equine-coital-exanthema-horses
