46/ AUGUST 2011 THE RIDER Attaining A Viable Pregnancy By Wendy Eagle


For you to attain a healthy, viable pregnancy and foal, there are many contributing factors, including your choice of a sire and dam, the environment, and effective preparation for breed- ing.


Choosing A Suitable Sire and Dam


When choosing suitable parents, a veterinarian should conduct a breeding soundness for both the mare and stallion. A complete physical exam and individual historical documenta- tion for each helps to identify inconsistencies that may affect breeding soundness.


cies, physical problems, injuries, and dietary requirements might include any recent weight changes, inconsistencies with cycle. Whatever information can give the veterinarian insight into the mare and can alert to possi- ble future issues.


Include in the mare’s histo- ry any information regarding her last foaling date (or maidenhood status), how many coverings were necessary for positive pregnancy and any handling dif- ficulties. Details about her latest pregnancy and foaling, obser- vances from previous pregnan-


Exams will check general health, strength in back and legs, and assessments of chest and abdominal size for heart and lungs. Examination of the repro- ductive anatomy can indicate conformation problems that may contribute to contamination of the uterus and sub fertility, vagi- nal slopes, and visual inconsis- tencies in colour that are clues to trouble spots. Rectal palpa- tion alerts to abnormalities in the cervix, uterus, uterine horns, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Ultrasounds look for cysts, fibrous masses, fluid, tumors or hematomas that could interfere with semen passage or embryo movement. Culture swabs check for infections and blood samples


provide information on hor- mones and evaluate diet defi- ciencies, disease, parasite issues and chromosomal abnormalities. A stallion history indicates injuries or conditions, foot and other problems that may affect ability to mount. Also included is unique breeding season, mares serviced seasonally, return rates, routines and semen quality, blood work results, semen analysis, previous repro- ductive tract infections, treat- ment and results, and records of past illnesses of the respiratory tract or circulation system. The external exam includes size of testes and their relation to one another, physical movement, temperature and scar tissue damage that may cause interfer- ence or lower spermatogenesis. The penis and prepuce is checked for skin issues, sores, injury and infection. Culture swabs from the urethra, urethral fossa and prepuce of an erect penis identify infections of the genital tract or venereal dis- ease. Rectal palpation and/or ultrasound inspect the vans deferens texture and diameter as well as the spermatic artery pulse. The accessory glands can be checked for quality, size and shape and the bal- ance of other paired glands are assessed. Semen evalua- tions determine existence and quality and blood samples alert of problems with diet deficiencies, disease, parasite issues and chromosomal abnormalities.


Equine Veterinarians


13985 Ilderton Rd, Ilderton, ON N0M 2A0 Tel: 519-666-0911 Fax: 519-666-3997


website: ildertonequineservices.ca e-mail: ildertonequineservices@bellnet.ca


When breeding, it is important that the intended horses are of a temperament suitable for breeding, consid- ering that temperament is an inheritable trait. Additionally, a bad match can have a nega- tive affect on the reproductive system and in the worst situa- tions, physical injuries can occur during covering. Mares that are calm and relaxed that show estrous easily are more willing when covered and more likely to catch. Quiet, gentle and easy to handle stal- lions are more likely to cover well compared to rough and aggressive ones.


Environment


Environment is one key factor in stallion temperament and libido and has a positive effect on both mare and stal- lion fertility and willingness levels. Stabling the stallion in isolation or in areas with other


monitoring nutritional intake, will help to maintain a 5-6 BCS and a final trimester weight gain of approximately 14.5% due to fetus growth.


males, tends to lower libido and testosterone levels while enforc- ing undesirable vices and surli- ness through boredom and frus- tration. Modification of han- dling and environmental condi- tions can positively influence the behaviour and libido of a stallion. Stallions with a high libido are able to cover success- fully with few mounts, and tend to have a longer breeding season than those with a low libido. Stallions stabled by night and pastured in safe containment by day are able to exercise freely while viewing mares and yard activity. Such an environment tends to elevate testosterone lev- els, libido, happiness and health, making a willing participant. Mares in close proximity to a stallion have shown an advancement of the breeding season as closeness encourages social interaction and thus, posi- tive estrous reaction and recep- tivity indicators under safe cir- cumstances. Using a teaser is another often used method to determine when the mare is in full estrous and ready to accept breeding. Prolonged teasing advances ovulation by assisting with the release of gonadotrophin hormone for the mare and stallion. It helps to release oxytocin and prostaglandin in the mare, caus- ing mild contractions which aids the movement of sperm and cleans the tract, allowing the mare to be presented to the cov- ering stallion at her most fertile time.


Preparation


The preparation of mares and stallions should start six months prior to breeding. This provides time for maidens and retired performers psychological adjustments with minimal stress


due to lifestyle changes, to adjust body condition through gradual diet changes and exer- cise levels and to address and treat any health issues including infections. Low body weight impacts a mare’s conception rate and a stallion’s libido. Dietary considerations include adequate feeding that meets the changing nutritional needs of an active breeder and pregnancy as well as unlimited access to clean water. Quality fungus-free forage (fungus can cause abortion), which is ana- lyzed for nutrient levels and supplemented accurately, will aid in digestion and satisfy the chewing need.


Regularly scheduled care for teeth, hooves, worming and vaccinations should be continu- ally observed for both mare and stallion prior to breeding. Checking teeth confirms that proper mastication is occurring their bodies are utilizing the nutritional components of the feed. Regular hoof maintenance indicates early problems of pain that could cause difficulty dur- ing covering for stallions or with mare’s increased weight of pregnancy. Removing corrective shoeing prior to covering and/or foaling is advisable.


Some worming products are unsuitable during pregnancy and although some advocate worming just prior to birthing to prevent the foal being subject to high parasite exposure, others find it advisable not to worm in the final month of pregnancy due to associated risks of pre- mature delivery.


Vaccination for tetanus and flu should be up-to date prior to covering. Generally, unless there are regional con- cerns, avoidance of vaccinating during pregnancy can reduce the risk of abortion.


Prior to breeding, mares should have a body conditioning score (BCS) in the range of 5 or 6 throughout winter. Increasing her energy intake with supple- ments while gradually decreas- ing her forage in the last 4 to 6 weeks prior to covering helps prepare for pregnancy. Consis- tent yet light exercise with hack- ing and/or permanent turnout helps to maintain her fitness. Prime physical and nutri- tional health is beneficial for stallions entering the breeding season to provide the extra ener- gy used during the heavy demands of breeding. A BCS range of 5 or 6 is optimum while increased energy concen- trates helps to minimize condi- tion loss throughout the breed- ing season. Light riding, in-hand exercise and daily turnout will support physical fitness, stamina and prevent weight gain. Once pregnant, mares need exercise to encourage blood cir- culation and muscle tone for birthing, and to prevent obesity that can contribute to difficult birthing. After six months, group turnout for exercise while


Depending on the pregnant mare’s age and physical status, additional protein, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin A may be necessary to ensure the mare’s needs are being met as these nutrients will be absorbed by the fetus first. Confirming calcium and phosphorus ratio levels are within acceptable range of 1:1 up to 6:1 helps maintain the mare’s healthy strong bones during fetus growth and delivery, and the foal’s own growth development. Vitamin A can affect bone growth if levels are over or under supplemented. Other min- erals and vitamins can be met by providing access to mineral and vitamin blocks.


Careful planning and adherence of this preventative and routine maintenance can have a positive impact on fertili- ty and pregnancy viability. Cre- ating a written timeline or schedule (from the preparation of mare and stallion through to parturition) can allow you to effectively follow through on your plan and increase the like- lihood of a having a healthy mare, stallion and foal.


Haylage, A Nutritious and Delicious Hay Alternative


By Kelly Bowers


Although relatively new in Ontario, haylage is popular throughout Europe, and used almost exclusively in the UK and is gaining popularity in western Canada. This year at Can-Am, Chuck Jowett from Grey Bruce Equine Feeds did a seminar during the event an found that people were very interested in the concept of Haylage and dust extracted straw, especially brood mare owners.


This year, some Ontario hay will be processed as haylage thanks to David Webster from Scotland and Annette Dor- erty from England. The pair intend to bring compacting and dust extraction equipment from the UK. The new process- ing facility is being built in Ontario, just outside Walkerton.


What is Haylage? Haylage is grass, cut just like hay but, instead of being allowed to dry out completely, it is baled when the


moisture content is still relatively high. Dust and spores are retained along with the moisture and do not become airborne when the bale is opened.


dust and mould spores present in the hay. The traditional alternative has been soak- ing the hay.


The bales are immediately wrapped in polythene to exclude all air from the bale and allow a mild fermentation to take place to preserve the bale with no waste. The haylage is then left for 2 - 4 months. A laboratory then analyses the nutritional levels and checks for moulds and spores before shipping the 20 kg weather proof packages to customers.


Why Feed Haylage? Horses need ade- quate fibre in their diet to keep their large intestine working properly and, tradition- ally, in the winter period, this has been supplied by hay. Good quality hay does provide the fibre the horse requires but does have some drawbacks. Apart from the possible difficulty of actually sourcing the hay, the main problem results from


Advantages of Haylage


• Haylage is dust free - healthier and no need to soak.


• Haylage bales are denser, requiring less storage space.


• Compared to soaking hay, Haylage requires less time, makes less mess and leaves no waste water.


• Haylage bales are stored in heat sealed polythene wraps and can be stored out- side.


• Haylage is more palatable (tasty) than hay which may lead to less wastage. • Haylage has a higher nutritional value so you can reduce pelleted food amounts. • Haylage is a more natural feed and more easily digested - horses prefer wetter for- ages (many horses dip their own hay). • Haylage is cost-effective.


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