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  Discussion on Breeding on Foal Heat
Author Message
Member:
Canyon28

Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 4:49 pm:

I have several mares that I want/need to try to breed to my studs on foal heat this year due to late foaling dates. Do most mares come into foal heat about 5 to 7 days after foaling? How long is the foal heat on average, the same as a regular heat? Are there any studies on what percentage of mares become pregnant when bred on foal heat? I was told it is much lower than a normal heat. If the foal heat is shorter, should I breed on the second day of standing heat? I dont want to breed the mare any more than twice if possible. thank you.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 6:14 am:

We have a detailed discussion of breeding on foal heat at, Equine Reproduction » Breeding and Foaling » Postpartum Events in the Mare and Breeding on Foal Heat.
DrO
Member:
Christos

Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 5:23 am:

Christine,
I believe that foaling late, then breeding on foal heat is excellent practice, unless you are showing the youngsters by year of birth (your late 2003 foal will be 14-15 mo in September, while others may be 20 mo, and some people may think your foals are underdeveloped).
I like late foals because I believe that lush grass, sun and full turnout are advantageous for the last months of pregnancy and the first months of lactation and foal development. It may be just my idea, but I think this makes for healthier horses later on.
Mares that foal late (May) usually ovulate later, after day 10, which is a significant advantage in terms of breeding on foal heat, as it gives the mare time to clean up and get ready. There are ways to delay foal heat but I haven't tried them and I can't comment on them (read the article).
I'm the happiest when the mare is not receptive to a stallion before day 10, I believe earlier is too early and I'd rather hold her for next heat.
If, let's say, she's receptive on day 11, I'd breed her on days 13 and 15, if twice is the only option. Can't harm to check on day 17 as well.
I do not find that breeding on foal heat in the summer is less productive than normal heat to any significant degree. I believe other factors, like teasing practices, mare's and stallion's condition, age, first foal etc make a bigger difference.

All the best,
Christos
Member:
Christos

Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 9:48 am:

I forgot to say that foaling late does have a serious drawback in hot climates. Long exposure to temperatures above 25 C seriously affects fetus development and milk production, to the extend that it counterweights the benefit of good grass, sun and exercise.
If one lives in a hot climate and the facilities are less than optimal (trees all around to keep the place cool, well ventilated stables, air-condition), breeding early in the year may be a wiser choise.
Member:
Warwick

Posted on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 3:32 pm:

I'm very lucky in that my reproductive vet is an internationally known and published specialist who has also pioneered new procedures. He travels extensively during the late fall and winter speaking at seminars and teaching universities around the world. Apart from being a fantastic vet, he's also a super nice guy who takes the time to listen to his clients and discuss matters fully. He's even called me during his vacation to check up on one of my mares who was going through a difficult pregnancy.

He has always told me that the foal heat is not the best time to breed back a mare. He recommends short cycling after the foal heat if timing is an issue. Plus it's always best to inseminate the least amount of times possible to cut down the chance of infection and disturbing the reproductive system.
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