Whether your mare is being bred to carry, donating embryos or being aspirated for ICSI, preparations done at home can impact the reproductive success for the entire breeding season.
Written by Kianna M. Spencer, DVM, MS, DACT
Mares are seasonal breeders, with periods of cyclicity influenced by environmental cues. The natural reproductive season of the mare in the Northern Hemisphere takes place from March to October. Variations in seasonality among mares exist due to the influence of internal factors, such as nutrition, body condition, and age as well as external factors, such as photoperiod and ambient temperature. In temperate climates such as Texas, up to 20% of mares can cycle year-round.
Kianna M. Spencer, DVM, MS, DACT
Hastening of the natural cycle is used to produce offspring which are older and more mature at the time of yearling sales and futurities. This is primarily accomplished using photoperiod manipulation, or increasing the amount of “daylight” the mare is exposed to. Placing bright lights in the mare’s stall or pen can trick her brain into thinking the days are getting longer. Alternatively, blue light masks can be placed on individual mares when large pen turnout is used. A general rule of thumb is that lights should be bright enough to read a newspaper in all corners of the enclosure.
How long should you place your mare under lights?** **
The most effective schedule is turning lights on prior to sunset and turning lights off at 11pm. Total daylight, natural + artificial, should be 16-18 hours per day.
**When should you start your mare under lights? **
Research has shown that starting lights close to Dec. 1 provides the best results with the mean onset of time to the first ovulation of the season at 65 days. Here at Solo, we start mares under lights on Thanksgiving.
Temperature
While not as important as lighting, ambient temperature also has a large influence on mares’ seasonality. Cold temperatures cause a release of hormones called endorphins which downregulate the reproductive axis. Although Texas has a temperate climate, we stall or blanket mares on the very cold days of winter.
The new __Solo Select Slinky __is the perfect outerwear for brisk evenings or to be worn under a thick blanket when it’s very chilly out.
Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the main contributing and often overlooked reproductive success factors in the broodmare. A balanced diet is key to any fertile mare and extra supplements are not always necessary. However, in sub-fertile mares and embryo/oocyte donors, certain additives have been shown to increase pregnancy and embryo recovery rates and embryo vitality. Broodmare supplements include things like omega 3 fatty acids - derived from fish oil, flax seed, linseed oil and ahiflower oil; antioxidants and amino acids, such as L-carnitine and L-arginine with the purpose of decreasing inflammation and improving cellular health and function.
Look for a supplement that has a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA derived from fish oil) and is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, like L-carnitine. We recommend starting supplements 60 days prior to breeding for the peak effectiveness.
Veterinary Examination
Prior to embarking on the breeding journey, each mare should first undergo a breeding soundness examination. The extent of this examination is dependent on the individual mare- young healthy maiden mares may need only a brief physical and ultrasound examination; while older or sub-fertile mares will likely require further diagnostics, such as a uterine culture, cytology, biopsy or bloodwork. Fall is a perfect time to perform these exams because it permits ample time for treatments and allows each mare to go into breeding season clean and healthy. In addition, any poor candidates for breeding can be identified prior to obtaining a breeding contract.
Melanie Smith and Solo Select Foals
Submit Paperwork Early
Getting paperwork sorted and prior to the breeding season can prevent delays and stress when ordering semen. Breeding farms usually require a signed breeding contract, a copy of the mare’s papers and payment prior to shipping semen.
**For information on using Solo Select for your reproductive needs, contact our office at 903-436-7021. **
About Dr Spencer:_ _Kianna M. Spencer, DVM, MS, DACT, is Solo Select's board-certified theriogenologist with extensive expertise in equine reproduction. Her passion for equine health, combined with her advanced training and commitment to excellence, positions her as a leading authority in optimizing reproductive success. Dr. Spencer’s approach combines cutting-edge techniques with individualized care to help breeders achieve their mares' full potential each season.
**About Solo Select: **Solo Select is a premier equine reproduction facility dedicated to providing cutting-edge services and comprehensive mare and stallion management. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Solo Select has established itself as an industry leader in breeding success and customer care. From advanced reproductive techniques to year-round mare and stallion services, Solo Select delivers unmatched expertise and quality.
For information on using Solo Select for your reproductive needs, contact our office at 903-436-7021.
