Equine Reproduction

Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital is very experienced in equine reproduction and can assist in pre-breeding preparation, follicle scanning, pregnancy scanning, stallion assessment and foaling. 

Summary of Services; 

• Pre-breeding examinations assess reproductive conformation and detect any abnormalities. This is performed by visual examination, manual palpation and rectal ultrasound.
• Uterine swabbing and bacterial culture.
• Follicle scanning.
• Manipulation of oestrus and ovulation.
• Pregnancy ultrasound scans (early and late) and twin ablation.
• Ability to scan miniature ponies and small breed ponies externally.
• Infertility investigations in both mare and stallion.
• Stallion semen testing.
• Pre- and post-mating uterine flushes.
• Foaling assistance (routine and emergency)
• Post-foaling examination and management of mare and foal.
• Blood testing of foals to check IgG levels. IgG levels are an important indicator of failure of passive transfer of immunity through colostrum. IgG levels should be measured 18–24 hours after birth.

Important Points

The natural breeding season for mares is September to March. During this time mares will come into season on average every 21 days, ponies can have longer cycles of 25 days. Oestrus on average last for 5 days and ovulation takes place 24–48 hours before the end of oestrus.

We recommend your mare receives her first pregnancy ultrasound at 14-16 days post mating. At this early stage of pregnancy we can detect single and twin pregnancies and ablate (squeeze off) twins if necessary.

Mares should receive a second pregnancy ultrasound at 45 days to confirm the pregnancy is progressing normally and that she has not suffered early embryonic death.

 Photo courtesy of Cunnamore Stock Horse Stud