A question...

[Grey_Arab]

How soon can mares be put back into foal after foaling, I know that they do have a season soon after foaling and that putting them in foal then isn't really a good idea. But after that will the mare return to her normal cycle and have another season within 21 days??
Thanks

 

[AndyPandy]

Most mares will probably ovulate within 7-10 days post partum. If you consider the massive trauma that the uterus and related structures go through during patrutirition, it's probably best to give the mare's tract as much time to recover as possible. And, it has been shown that mares ovulating more than 10 days post partum have a higher pregnancy rate (when coverer during the foal heat) than mares ovulating less than 10 days post partum.

There are pharmacological techniques available to delay the onset of estrus post partum, and I would thoroughly recommend that you use one of them if you are hoping to put the mare back in foal asap. Regumate given for 8 days immediately post partum generally prevents ovulation for up to 16 days, progesteron & estrogen given together can delay ovulation for up to 13 days.

Otherwise, I'd wait for the 2nd or 3rd heat post partum.

As always, every mare is different... so consult your vet and see what they think.

 

[JanetGeorge]

[ QUOTE ]

There are pharmacological techniques available to delay the onset of estrus post partum, and I would thoroughly recommend that you use one of them if you are hoping to put the mare back in foal asap. Regumate given for 8 days immediately post partum generally prevents ovulation for up to 16 days,



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I use Regumate to delay the foal heat but it should be stressed this should ONLY be done if the mare has a very easy foaling and cleanses promptly without intervention. The Regumate does encourage everything to 'close up' rather more quickly than it would otherwise do so even minor foaling/post-foaling difficulties are far more likely to result in infection if Regumate is used.

 

[AndyPandy]

[ QUOTE ]
I use Regumate to delay the foal heat but it should be stressed this should ONLY be done if the mare has a very easy foaling and cleanses promptly without intervention...

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Absolutely, thanks for that JG. Should have mentioned those points when discussing delaying foal heat: "If one wishes to successfully breed on the foal heat, then the foaling must have been without any complications, such as dystocia, retained placenta, tears etc., and there should be very little, or no evidence of fluid within the uterus (such fluid may require additional attention).

It is also recommended that there be no obvious abnormalities of the placenta (which could suggest issues related to placentitis, and hence a pathogen in utero); no discharge by about day 7 post foaling, or at the worst only minor clear or slightly pink discharge".

 

[JanetGeorge]

[ QUOTE ]


Absolutely, thanks for that JG. Should have mentioned those points when discussing delaying foal heat:.....

It is also recommended that there be no obvious abnormalities of the placenta (which could suggest issues related to placentitis, and hence a pathogen in utero);

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I learned the hard way! One of my best mares produced a colt as a red bag delivery. I was there and got him out alive (if somewhat hypoxic!) And promptly put her on Regumate!! She got a RAGING infection - and we lost two cycles! If I'd left her alone, she would have probably been ok and we could have short-cycled her after the foaling heat and saved a month! More haste, less speed!