Carefully preparing your mare, and the associated monitoring of her estrous cycle will hopefully result in a timely breeding. An endometrial swab should be taken, and a cytology smear made, with further diagnostics and/or treatment carried out if indicated (more information on this is available by clicking here and here). It is essential that the mare's estrous cycle be followed carefully, and ongoing follicular activity monitored (this is known as "following the follicle") and recorded. In order to do this, a person experienced in palpation or ultrasound use is needed - most usually a veterinarian. Hormonal manipulation of the estrous cycle may also be called for, in order to pinpoint ovulation more easily or accurately. This is especially important if the stallion is not always available for collections - some stallions are not collected if they are showing; some farms will only collect on an every-other-day basis; and some farms will not collect on weekends. (For more information on monitoring estrus and hormonal manipulation, click here). |
![]() Rectal palpation of the ovaries is an important tool in determining optimal breeding time. (I believe the steps in the foreground should be considered "emergency equipment" here, in case this very small palpator "falls into" this very large mare, and needs rescuing!!!) |