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G’day all,
You could be forgiven for mistaking the current climate with any season other than summer. For us, the fact that almost all our mares are in foal gives a better indication than the weather of where we are in the year! It seems odd to write a piece on reproduction as we approach the end of the season, however, with a big move coming for me it makes sense to iron out some key points in preparation for next season.
My aforementioned 'big move' comes in the form of a 6-month sabbatical south of the hemisphere in Hunter Valley, Australia, where I will be soaking up the methods in which they get their mares in foal down under. Scone Equine Hospital is the largest equine practice in Australia and serves most of the thoroughbred studs in the area, which holds the title of housing the largest population of breeding thoroughbreds in the southern hemisphere.
You have all earned a well-deserved break. Deciding to breed from your mare(s) does not come without its stresses and complications. I hope you're able to be less hands on and let nature take hold and work its magic on your mares and foals until we go again in 2025. Whilst I'm away, however, there are several things you can do to ensure breeding success for your mare(s) next season.
1-Body Condition Score: If your mare is barren this year, ensure she enters the breeding season with a body condition of 5/9. Over-conditioning in mares is one of the main causes of subfertility, and is also one of the easiest things to fix. Once she is in foal, we can start to add to her condition. See the body condition chart below for reference.
2- Vulvar Anatomy: See below some examples of ideal and not-so-ideal vulvar conformation. Poor vulvar conformation is common and is a leading contributing factor to mares with uterine infections, which will prevent your mare from getting in foal, and make her more likely to abort, too. We will assess your mare at the start of the season during a 'pre-breeding' examination. This will be a part of the examination, but the earlier it is amended the better. We do this by stitching part of the labias together in an easy, short procedure called a valvuloplasty or 'Caslicks procedure'.
3- Worming: Everyone's bugbear, I know. Beware of googling worming protocols, as many of these are out of date or not relevant for your location and situation. The most important thing is to speak to us if you have any questions about timing, dosage or active ingredients. There have been increased reports of resistance to equine wormers. On the continent, panacur is becoming increasingly futile in the treatment of redworms and some strongyles due to resistance. If you suspect resistance, speak to us about your options. In foals, as part of their usual worming protocol it is imperative they receive a moxidectin and praziquantel based wormer in autumn as the first frost sets in, and again 3 months later if there is a history of worms as this is when they are at highest risk of tape worm and red worm associated disease. For mares in foal, it is crucial they are wormed with an ivermectin based wormer 3-4 weeks prior to foaling date to prevent worms transferring through the milk into the foal. Two resources I would recommend are
https://horsetrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/UK-VET_EQUINE_2019_Equine_Worming_Roundtable-Equisal-Web.pdf and https://www.efecs.co.uk/worming-the-mare-foal-what-you-need-to-know/ .
4- Vaccinations: Ensure your mare is up to date on her vaccinations. This includes flu/tet, EHV, and if appropriate, rotavirus. protocols differ between barren mares and mares in-foal.
In-foal mares: Flu annually (Note some studs require 6monthly for boarding). Tetanus every 2nd year, but imperative it is given within 6 months of foaling to provide the foal with some immunity. EHV at month 5, 7 and 9. Rotavirus at months 8, 9 and 10 to prevent disease in newborn foals.
Barren mares: Flu annually, tetanus every 2nd year, EHV every 6 months.
Foals: Begin flu/tet vaccination course at month 5 of age.
5- Lameness and General Health: if your mare is recovering from a previous injury, it is important she is examined prior to breeding. Some causes of lameness can be aggravated in the third trimester with the added weight of the foal. It takes a lot of energy to grow and feed a foal, so the less energy she is expending on possible sources of pain, disease, or stress, the better.
Please do send in any pictures of your mares and foals to our instagram @guascoandassociates and we will put together a montage post of the best moments from this season.
I wish you all the best for the rest of the summer. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in contact whilst I am away.
My email address is archie@guascoandassociates.com.
Archie Macpherson
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