Routine Reproductive Services
The reproductive team is able to offer routine and emergency gynaecological services for brood mares and stallions.
Services include:
1. Pre Season screening for venereal diseases
All breeding animals should be tested at the beginning of each breeding season for venereally transmissible diseases. Guidelines are provided in the HorseRace Betting Levy Board (H.B.L.B) Code of Practice on venereal diseases that is updated annually.
2. Gynaecological management of mares being covered naturally
Veterinary involvement includes;
- Endometrial swabbing to ensure that the mare does not have any mild uterine infections to stop her conceiving. The swab must be taken whilst the mare is in season
- Ovarian and uterine scanning to establish the most appropriate time for covering.
- Pregnancy scanning: We would advise a first scan at 14-16 days and a second scan at 26-28 days after mating.
3. Routine Autumn pregnancy confirmation
We would recommend a manual pregnancy check in September/October to confirm that the pregnancy is progressing satisfactorily. Pregnancy confirmation allows a management plan for the pregnant mare to be formulated for winter.
4. Routine vaccination of pregnant mares
Vaccination against the following diseases is available:
- Equine Herpes Virus (E.H.V.) Vaccination to minimise the risk on EHV aboration are recommended at 5,7 and 9 months of pregnancy.
- Rotavirus: Vaccination of the broodmare at the 8, 9 and 10 month of pregnancy will provide colostral protection for the foal against rotavirus diarrhoea.
- Flu and tetanus: Routine vaccination is important in broodmares, stallions and young stock.
5. Barren mare investigations
Mares failing to conceive during the breeding season can be investigated for infertility. Most barren mare investigations are performed in the autumn. Ultrasound examination and uterine biopsy are used to investigate the reproductive tract. The results obtained will allow a breeding prognosis to be formulated and any necessary treatment to be carried out before the next breeding season.
6. Stallion infertility
Stallions obtaining poor conception rate can be investigated for infertility. Physical and ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract along with semen collection and analysis will be used to assess the stallion.
