Breeding Services
Whether it's your first time breeding your horse, or you are a seasoned pro, the equine reproduction and breeding services at our equine veterinary hospital can help.
- Breeding Soundness Exam—A breeding soundness exam is recommended before breeding especially if the mare has unknown or questionable fertility. This examination of your mare’s reproductive tract can improve reproductive success. Any abnormalities can be diagnosed and treatment options can be given before breeding is scheduled.
- Reproductive Ultrasound—This examination of the internal reproductive tract can aid in identifying the proper timing of breeding (artificial insemination or live cover), and any abnormalities of the tract to determine pregnancy and identify a twin pregnancy. In horses, ultrasonography is commonly performed at 2–3 weeks after ovulation for a pregnancy check and at 5–6 weeks for an early embryo loss check.
- Post Breeding Checks—After breeding has occurred, there are a number of checks that can be performed on specific days: On days 14–15: Confirm a pregnancy and identify twins; On day 30: Evaluate for a heartbeat; On day 45: Ensure normal development of the embryo.
- Uterine Culture & Sensitivity—Uterine culture is a common diagnostic test performed on mares to assess uterine health, diagnose infection and identify an effective antimicrobial (antibiotic) for treatment. This diagnostic is often recommended or required before breeding to identify infections that might reduce fertility or infect a stallion. It is regularly used in conjunction with uterine cytology, which helps to define the significance of a culture result.
- Uterine Biopsy—A uterine biopsy is a common diagnostic test performed on mares to assess uterine health and the ability of a mare to carry a foal to term. It is performed in the standing, often unsedated, mare and is considered minimally invasive. It is genrally used to reveal histological defects in the uterine wall that may inhibit the implantation of the embryo and a successful pregnancy.
- Artificial Insemination—Artificial insemination (A.I.) allows us to breed your mare with fresh-cooled semen. Through A.I. vets can transfer semen from a stallion into the uterus of a mare at the correct stage of her oestrus cycle resulting in a single pregnancy. A.I. has become a very popular technique in stud medicine and in some cases it has significant advantages over natural service. It is not allowed in racing thoroughbreds under Jockey Clube rules.
- Post Foaling Examination—This important exam is recommended within the first 24–48 hours after foaling. This is vital to assess the health of the new foal and the dam. If you have any concerns with either the mare or the foal prior to this time you should get in touch immediately. If your mare has been treated for placentitis (inflammation of the placenta) during pregnancy we recommend we attend the foal as soon as possible as these foals are particularly vulnerable. New born foals can deteriorate rapidly if there are underlying problems, so if in doubt give us a call to chat about your foal’s progress.
