Why choose one mare over another for breeding purposes?
From a reproduction perspective, broodmares are selected generally with the sole focus of being able to produce offspring that will perform at elite levels in more than one discipline. If a mare can be the mother of foals that grow up to be versatile in more than one discipline, then they have more longevity as a performance horse, and therefore benefits the horse breeder, riders, owners and the horse itself. If one discipline becomes undesirable, they can simply be used to compete in another.
To select a broodmare with the capacity to produce such offspring, a few key reproductive selection criteria can be used: General Conformation, Fertility and Infection Status. The way a broodmare is structurally put together, plays a big role in a mare’s ability to have easy pregnancies. A good broody requires a strong back and legs to carry the significant extra weight of the foetus in the later stages of pregnancy, correct pelvic conformation that is inclusive of a pelvic opening that will safely deliver foals, and good heart, lung and barrel room to accomodate a baby. An internal examination can be performed by a Vet to assess the Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Uterus, Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries. A broodmare will pass this exam if all her reproductive system is healthy and functioning the way it should, and there is no abnormalities or presence of infection.
Infertility in mares can be related directly to easily identified problems with the reproductive tract. An experienced Vet would be able to pick up on these fertility problems quite easily, and of course if a mare is infertile, then her eggs can not be used to breed with. In the modern day though, there is an alternative for an infertile mare with otherwise impeccable reproductive health, to be surrogates for embryo transfers.
If an infection is detected by a Vet via Ultrasound Examination and/or by a uterine swab, then this mare will require flushing so that she be used again for breeding. Most Vets use saline to flush the uterus, and then prescribe Oxytocin to be given for up to 5 days, before a 2nd flush on the 6th day. A mare that is not prone to infections in her reproductive tract, and has passed the above criteria makes for a top broodmare.
Finding and selecting mares that pass all 3 of these main reproductive selection criteria, is a difficult task to pursue sometimes. There are other selection criteria to be met other than reproductive ones, like Temperament, Pedigree and Performance History. However once a breeder finds their groove with a few good broodmares in a row, they truly begin to feel the rewards for their hard work in the beautiful, versatile and healthy performance mounts that are produced in the Stud’s offspring.
Feature Image courtesy of Bronwen Healey Photography.
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.