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Discussion on Is it best to breed an older mare every year????
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Posted on Monday, Feb 12, 2001 - 10:24 pm:
Hi
I am looking into buying an 18yr old bred tb. The owner told me: "It is also possible and recommended at her age, to ensure her continuing
fertility, that she be bred every year for the rest of her fertile years
including this year not later than second heat after the birth of this foal."
What do y'all think? I thought it would be easier on her to breed every other year?
Thanks for any input.
~Barbara
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2001 - 7:27 am:
Hello Barbara,
Though you sentiment is common, there is no basis for the belief. Currently we believe it is just a lost year in a mare that may not have a lot of years left. The decision to breed should be based on the condition of the mare.
The comment about breeding by the second heat is interesting. There are some mares that reportedly seem to have a foal heat cycle then stop. I am uncertain if most are cycling silently or actually have stopped cycling. I know one case that stopped after foal heat one year and our best attempts did not return her to cycling that season. I am not sure what that has to do with age though. Perhaps they experienced such a problem in the apst with this mare?
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2001 - 2:32 pm:
Thanks DrO
~B
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