As the weather starts to turn you may be starting to think about breeding your mare. There are some important things to consider before starting on that journey.

Mares are seasonally polyestrous, this means mares will come into cycle seasonally when the days start to get longer and they have monthly estrous cycles throughout the breeding season. Typically, in Colorado, most mares start to cycle in May. Since the start of their cycle is light dependent, we can artificially manipulate mares to cycle by introducing light in a specific manner.

Before attempting to breed the mare, she should be evaluated for a breeding soundness exam. At this time, we can evaluate her external genitalia and internal reproductive organs for problems that may impair her fertility. We can address issues impairing fertility to set her up for success or evaluate alternative options. Issues that we can identify at our initial breeding soundness exam may include poor perineal conformation, cysts in the uterus, inactive ovaries, infections, or other pathology of the reproductive tract. These are particulalry more common when evaluating multiparous mares (those that have foaled previously) and/or those over 10 years of age.

With a detailed examination of the mare, we can discuss the best method of action based on our findings. Live cover and artificial insemination are the two breeding methods for horses. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Live cover can be used in situations where the mare and stallion are at the same location, this method tends to require less personnel involvement and can have a lower cost. This method does have higher rates of injury for the horses involved and it also puts the horses more at risk for the spread of venereal disease through sexual contact. 

More often on the western slope we offer artificial insemination.  AI has a reduced risk in injuries and disease, and allows for evaluation of the semen prior to breeding, and allows for souring from a stallion in a different location whether it be Texas or Europe. AI techniques differ slightly with cooled and frozen semen  and can have benefits depending on your mare's needs and reproductive health issues.  Services can be provided at the farm or our clinic with several days of hospital board depending on your wishes.  . Artificial insemination can help increase fertility rates in older subfertile mares.8 day embryo for transfer

We offer artificial insemination with fresh, cooled and frozen semen.  We also offer embryo transfer and embryo shipping if the decision for your mare to carry is not desired.

After breeding, it’s important to confirm pregnancy at 14-16 days post ovulation, at this time period we can reduce twins. 14 day embryo It’s estimated that less than 10% of twin pregnancies result in a healthy mare and foals. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that there is no twin present when confirming pregnancy.

Working closely with a veterinarian through the breeding process can help increase the likelihood that the mare gets pregnant, stays pregnant, and has a healthy delivery.

Give us a call today to discuss your mare and your reproductive goals for that next great prospect.  970-379-7100.