We have a 21 year old broodmare that we last had a colt out of three years ago. There was no problems with that pregnancy or birth. We thought maybe we wouldn't breed her again but have began to think about it. Are there some problems involved in breeding a mare this old or getting her in foal? She is actually in pretty good shape and has had eight previous foals.
Jos
Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2001 - 10:26 pm:
As long as she is showing ovulatory estrus and her uterus is in good condition, there should be few problems.
An endometrial biopsy may be a worthwhile investment - or at the very least, a swab with culture AND cytology smear (a culture alone is worthless as an accurate indicator of uterine pathogenic status).
Also be aware that many older mares are susceptible to "delayed uterine clearance", so the use of oxytocin post- (and possible pre-) breeding may be indicated. More information about this is available on this site by "clicking" here.
Good luck!
Denise Tune (65.64.61.43)
Posted on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 04:09 pm:
We purchased an 21yr old QH broodmare with a colt born March 17th 2001 on her side. When asking about her breeding history they said she had only missed one colt in the last 5yrs. and that was 4yrs. ago. In the two months we had her she has not shown to be in heat once. She is very, very protective of her colt. We calculated her next cycle off of her foaling date and took her to the breeders, no cycle. She was teased everyday at the breeders and never showed signs of coming in, instead she worried about her colt, and would pin her ears and run at the stud as if to keep him awy from the colt. We have given her Lutalyse, teased everyday, no signs of heat. We consulted the vet and she recommened, teasing everyday and 14 days after the first Lutalyse shot give her another one. All of this mares life she has been pasure bred, could this have something to do with it? How late in the year can we try to get her bred back? After weaning this colt in July will she cycle so we can breed her then?This is a really nice mare and easy to get along with I would really like to get a couple of more colts out of her. Thanks for any and all advice. Denise
Kelly (63.172.47.181)
Posted on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 08:30 pm:
I have a few mares that would not show a cycle, out of worry for the foal.I make sure that a mare like this is reassured about the safety of her foal.
While teasing, have someone hold the foal about 6 feet away from the mare and teasing stallion. Keep the foal off to the side, but in easy view of the mare. Make sure that the mare does not have to turn or strain around to see her foal. Usually, after a few sessions, the mare will begin to relax and show to the stallion. If the foal is out of harms way and quiet, the mare can focus on the teasing.
While breeding, I make sure that the foal is held near to the mares head. If a fence separates them, make sure that they are nose to nose and have visual contact. I ALWAYS have a handler to help hold the foal still and quiet.
Many accidents can happen at the breeding farm. It is of the utmost importance that the foal is secured and safe. The mare is concerned with this, and may not accept breeding, medications or not, if the foal is excited or out of sight. I've had very good results following the above suggestions.
Denise Tune (209.184.230.61)
Posted on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 10:41 pm:
We have tried to hold the colt near the mare and out of the stallions way, but to no avail she would still not show signs of heat. The colt is vocal when on a lead which adds to her nervousness. The breeders are good friends of ours so we was over every evening to help with our mare and colt. I would hold the colt while my husband held the mare and the stud owner held the stud. The mare and colts safety was our main concern. After being at the breeder for more than a month we brought her home. As the vet said we need to tease her everyday. We have a VERY dominate gelding that was used to tease our 2 other mares. When they showed signs to him we took them to be bred, and they stood for the stallion. Will this work for the old mare? Or should we just wait until we have weaned the colt? Thank you for all of your help.
Kelly (63.172.47.191)
Posted on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 11:16 pm:
You did all the right things. There is no substitute for aggressive teasing, so keep at it. She may well show to your gelding. She may feel safer with him at your barn.
At her age, you are best served to keep her in foal. Keep teasing, and see what happens. You might have to wait until the foal is weaned. I had one mare that had a late term abortion, after that, she was overly protective of the next foal. I do know how frustrating this can be!
I find it helpful to lead the mare a short distance away to "graze", and get used to short separations from the foal. This will let her relax away from the foal,and not build the anxiety like teasing would. I usually have hay and a buddy waiting with the foal. This will make breeding and weaning time go alot easier!
Denise Tune (209.184.230.207)
Posted on Saturday, June 23, 2001 - 04:11 pm:
Kelly, Thank you so much for the encouragement. It is so frustrating when my other two mares bred so nice and she refuses to look at the stallion. I will continue to tease her with our gelding here at home, and work on the seperation with the colt. Maybe we can get her bred in early Aug. I just worry about that being to hot for her to deliver in July. Thanks again for all the help, I'll keep you posted. Denise
Denise (209.184.230.46)
Posted on Friday, June 29, 2001 - 09:43 pm:
Well the heavy teasing paid off! She finally came in and stood for the stallion. Even with the colt. She has such a nice colt right now I'm just so excited to see what the next one is like. Well now it's just a waiting game to see if she settled. Thanks again for everything.
Kelly (63.172.47.187)
Posted on Saturday, June 30, 2001 - 10:09 am:
Denise- Great! It can be a long 15 days wait sometimes.
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