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Topic:Mares
Mares and horses are integral components of equine studies, focusing on the reproductive and behavioral aspects of equine biology. Mares, or adult female horses, play a significant role in breeding programs and are often studied for their reproductive physiology, gestation, and maternal behaviors. Horses, as a broader category, encompass both sexes and all age groups, providing a comprehensive view of equine anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Research in this area often investigates the differences and similarities between mares and other horses in terms of hormonal cycles, reproductive health, and social interactions. This page compiles peer-reviewed studies and scholarly articles that explore the biological and behavioral characteristics of mares and horses, offering insights into their roles in equine science and management.
Cortisol and heart rate response of mares during the in-hand breeding procedure with and without restraint. In-hand breeding involving restraint methods is likely the most common practice in the horse breeding industry worldwide. However, welfare issues that arise from such management have not been investigated in detail. Objective: (1) To investigate whether the mares show increased stress responses during in-hand breeding using (a) a lip twitch and (b) hobbles. (2) To evaluate if the use of restraint methods influences the mare's expression of oestrous behaviour. Methods: Intra-individual cross-over design. Methods: Six Franches-Montagnes stallions and 10 warmblood mares were used in these experim...
Associations between endometrial swab bacteriology and cytology findings and live foal rates in Thoroughbred broodmares in the United Kingdom. To date, relationships between pre-covering endometrial swab cytology and bacteriology and fertility outcomes in Thoroughbred broodmares in the United Kingdom are unknown and could aid clinical decision making. Objective: To investigate associations between cytology and bacteriology findings from the last endometrial swab taken in the breeding season (15 February to 15 July) and live-foal rates (predicted mean probability of producing a live foal) in UK Thoroughbred broodmares. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Endometrial cytology and bacteriology findings were extracted from labo...
Microbial profile of post-breeding endometritis in Arabian mares from the Al-Hira District, Iraq. in Arabian mares poses a significant reproductive challenge, necessitating proper pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility determination. Unassigned: To investigate the prevalence of intrauterine pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Arabian mares with postbreeding endometritis. Unassigned: Seventeen Arabian mares were examined clinically and ultrasonographically. Uterine swabs were collected for bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Unassigned: Clinical endometritis was detected in 29.4% of the mares. Ultrasonographic examination...
Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals developmental dynamics and cellular heterogeneity in the mammary gland of young fillies and adult Mongolian mares. Mongolian horses are famous for their lactation traits. Their milk contains a high protein content and low levels of fatty acids. Given their superior milk composition and historical use in dairy production across Inner Mongolia and Central Asia, Mongolian horses serve as a valuable model for understanding lactational biology. Multiple factors regulate the lactation process; however, a detailed study of this biological process has not been performed with single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) technology. Insights gained from snRNA-seq of their mammary glands can inform molecular strategies ...
Genetic Diversity of Equid Herpesvirus 5 in Temporal Samples from Mares and Their Foals at Three Polish National Studs. Equid herpesvirus 5 (EHV-5) comprises a group of heterogeneous viruses with a worldwide distribution. Primary infection typically occurs early in life, which is followed by latency and periodic recrudescence of the virus. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variation of EHV-5 in individual animals over time and to determine the dynamics of EHV-5 spread among selected mare-foal pairs at three horse studs. The partial glycoprotein B () gene was amplified from archival nasal swab samples. Sequences from 3-5 clones from each PCR product were compared using identity matrix, phylogeny...
Born to run? Associations between gestational and early-life exposures and later-life performance outcomes in Thoroughbreds. Gestational and early-life exposures may modulate development during growth and influence future athletic performance. Objective: To investigate associations between gestational and early-life exposures in Thoroughbreds and (i) likelihood of racing, (ii) total number of runs and (iii) total prizemoney by the end of the 3-year-old year. Methods: Prospective cohort. Methods: Daily records were kept on the location and duration of turnout, management and veterinary-attended episodes of disease or injury from birth until leaving the farm or study exit for 129 Thoroughbred foals on six stud farms. ...
Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from equine ovarian follicular aspirates. The use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in equine reproduction is increasing its interest in the treatment of specific pathologies. MSCs have been isolated from follicular aspirates obtained during transvaginal oocyte aspiration in women, offering a novel source for autologous therapies in reproductive treatments. However, this approach has not been tested in mares despite the common use of transvaginal oocyte aspiration for oocyte collection to produce equine embryos in vitro. Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility of isolating MSCs from equine ovarian follicular aspirates obtaine...
Retrospective Evaluation of Dystocia in Miniature Equids: 78 Cases (2002-2023). To describe patient characteristics, laboratory data, fetal orientation, methods of correction, survival, and treatment in miniature equids with dystocia. Methods: Retrospective study conducted from January 2002 to June 2023. Methods: Equine referral hospital and field service. Methods: Seventy animals with a total of 78 instances of dystocia. Methods: None. Results: Recorded variables included signalment, clinicopathologic data, fetal presentation, correction method, survival to discharge, and complications. The survival of miniature equid mares was 94% (73/78), while survival of foals was 17...
Investigations on metabolic diseases of horses in Egypt. Obesity is a significant risk factor that predisposes horses to laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, arthritis, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Unassigned: Mares showing overweight or laminitis ( = 30), different BCS ( = 90) weighing 350-550 Kg were subjected to clinical and rump fat assessments. Blood samples were collected to measure circulating estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and leptin. Additionally, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione redu...
Melatonin receptors and thyroid stimulating hormone in the equine pars tuberalis: Potential modulators of seasonal reproduction in the mare. The mechanism by which photoperiod influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and regulates seasonal reproduction in horses has yet to be fully elucidated. The hypophyseal pars tuberalis (PT) has been indicated as a critical site for the transduction of melatonin signals through melatonin-responsive, PT-specific cells that produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in many mammalian species. However, this has yet to be investigated in horses. The objective of this study was to explore the interaction of melatonin and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the equine HPG axis. Pituitaries ...
Evaluation of age effect on circulating catecholamines’ network in pregnant mares. Catecholamines (CATs) are essential neuroendocrine regulators with plasma concentrations that naturally fluctuate during pregnancy. Age-related changes in CATs, observed in humans and animals, suggest that gestation and aging together influence catecholaminergic activity. Blood samples were collected from Spanish Purebred mares categorized into three age cohorts (4-7 years, n = 18; 8-10 years, n = 18; 11-15 years, n = 18) across four defined gestational stages: first trimester (T1), second trimester (T2), third trimester (T3), and the final bimester (B4). Plasma concentrations of a...
Taylorella equigenitalis infections in Poland – results of current diagnostic investigations. Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a cosmopolitan infectious, venereal disease of equids caused by the bacterium . Its frequently asymptomatic course leads to its prevalence sometimes being underestimated, and knowledge of the spread of infections with its causative agent is insufficient. The aim of this study is to summarise and present data on the incidence of infections in horses in Poland. Unassigned: In the years 2018-2023, routine laboratory tests of horses for CEM were carried out. Between 52 and 99 horses were examined annually. Swabs from the external parts of the urogenital system ...
Management of retained fetal membranes by umbilical vessel infusion in mares submitted to elective C-section. The cesarian section (C-section) is a potential risk factor for retained fetal membranes (RFM) in mares, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to enhance outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the use of umbilical vessel infusion for the treatment of RFM after elective C-section in mares. Ten pregnant criollo type-mares at 315 days of gestation were monitored daily and underwent elective C-section upon readiness for birth. All mares exhibited RFM, with placentas retained beyond three hours careful extraction of the foal by C-section. Those were randomly assigned into two groups: Umbilical v...
Plasma Estradiol and Endometrial Edema Profile in Acyclic Mares After Single Administration of 17-β Estradiol, Estradiol Benzoate and Estradiol Cypionate. A longer endometrial exposure to estradiol before progesterone has been shown to be beneficial in cyclic and acyclic recipient mares. Therefore, the selection of an estradiol ester that promotes longer endometrial exposure to estradiol using a single administration would be advantageous when preparing acyclic mares as embryo recipients. This study investigated plasma estradiol profiles in acyclic mares after a single administration of 17-β estradiol (17-β), estradiol benzoate (EB) and estradiol cypionate (EC), and the correlation between plasma concentrations and endometrial edema. Fifteen n...
Phenylbutazone treatment of mares does not reduce embryo production via intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Production of embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a common clinical procedure in equine practice. A recent study indicates that treatment of mares with phenylbutazone paste significantly lowers blastocyst production after ICSI of recovered oocytes. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of different methods of phenylbutazone administration on in vitro embryo production of recovered oocytes in mares. Unassigned: In study 1 (July 29 through September 18, 2024), 14 mares received either oral liquid phenylbutazone once daily for 10 days or no treatment. On the l...
Clinical safety of intrauterine infusion of a uterine sanitizer in mares. Limited response to conventional therapies and rising antibiotic resistance emphasize the need for alternative treatments for infectious endometritis. A recent in vitro study showed promising antimicrobial activity of a commercial uterine cleaning sanitizer (UCS) against endometritis pathogens. However, its safety and efficacy in mares remain untested. Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical safety of intrauterine infusion of UCS in reproductively sound mares. Methods: Exp. 1. Six healthy mares with endometrial biopsies classified as I or IIA had two intrauterine infusions of UCS pe...
Characteristics and spatio-temporal distribution of fetal loss in thoroughbred mares in New South Wales, Australia. Despite emerging disease syndromes in Australian Thoroughbred horses in recent years, there is no formal surveillance for fetal loss in the industry. This study aimed to characterise the distribution of equine pregnancy loss > 45 days of gestation in a major Thoroughbred breeding region to provide insights into causes, prevention, and surveillance feasibility. Methods: Data were collected from 574 fetal loss submissions to veterinary pathology services between February 2015 and November 2021. Variables included date of fetal loss, gestational age, diagnosis, foal weight, and mare age. Dia...
Long-Term Maintenance of High Neutralizing Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Titres in Mares’ Milk and Offspring Serum After Pregnant Mares Immunization With SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. In this study, we aim to report the persistent presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins in pre-immunized mare offspring. Three mares from Vital Brazil Institute were pre-immunized with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and became pregnant during this period. After parturition, the mares' serum and colostrum/milk and foal serum were collected over 6 weeks. Our results have shown high and persistent presence of IgG and neutralizing antibodies over the weeks not only in the mares' serum, as expected, but in mares' colostrum/milk and foal serum as well-what were very surprising. This peculia...
Concentrations of serum amyloid A and haptoglobin in mare blood and milk as indicators of subclinical mastitis. Mastitis is an emerging health concern in lactating mares, particularly given the growing commercial interest in mare's milk. This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of acute phase proteins (APPs), specifically serum amyloid A (SAA), milk amyloid A (MAA), and haptoglobin (Hp), measured in blood and milk as indicators of clinical and subclinical mastitis. Twenty-four Thoroughbred mares were prospectively monitored during lactation and weaning. Plasma and milk samples were collected and analyzed using commercial ELISA kits. Plasma SAA concentrations were significantly higher in mares with ...
Characterization of Corynebacterium uterequi isolates from mares in Brazil. The genus Corynebacterium encompasses versatile bacteria that act as natural microbiota or pathogens, causing infections in humans and animals, including equine reproductive disorders. Corynebacterium uterequi (C. uterequi) is a potential pathogen in mares, associated with reproductive disorders including endometritis, embryonic loss, and infertility, raising concerns for equine reproductive health. This study aimed to characterize C. uterequi isolates from mares in southern Brazil and deepen the understanding of this species. Phenotypic, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses were performed on ...
Influence of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction on reproductive performance in Thoroughbred mares. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an age-related disease considered to have a negative impact on fertility. To understand the true impact of PPID on fertility, the influence of age must be considered. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of PPID on fertility while accounting for the effect of aging. Methods: A total of 332 Thoroughbred mares aged 10-20 years and managed across 137 private farms in Hidaka, Hokkaido, Japan were classified as PPID, equivocal, or non-PPID based on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration in 2019 and 2020. The prevalence of PPID an...
Endocrine profile and OPU-ICSI outcomes in mares: a comparative study. Despite recent improvements in equine ovum pick-up (OPU) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), there is still significant inter-individual variability. In this study, serum concentrations of the oocyte-secreted factors growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), as well as the GDF9/BMP15 complex, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), progesterone (P4), and free and conjugated estradiol-17β (E2), were determined in 59 mares (3-24 years) at the time of OPU. Mares were classified retrospectively, based on the number of embryos obtained, into low or...
Dietary nonstructural carbohydrates influence synthesis of mare milk carbohydrates and yield. Mare milk is the primary source of nutrients for neonatal foals and contains various carbohydrates. Milk oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are resistant to enzymatic digestion and provide support for the immune system and developing microbiome in the neonate. However, factors influencing the synthesis of milk carbohydrates in the mare are not well understood. This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) on mare milk composition and yield. Thoroughbred mares were paired by age and last breeding date then randomly assigned to one of two diet...
Plasma metabolomic profiling during peri-parturition in healthy Thoroughbred mares. Accurate prediction of the timing of parturition is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of both mares and foals. However, equine pregnancies are characterised by significant variability in gestation length, unique endocrine mechanisms, and subtle physiological changes before parturition. Objective: To investigate the characteristic changes in the peripheral metabolites of mares before and after parturition using metabolomic approaches. Methods: Longitudinal in vivo metabolic study. Methods: Plasma samples (n = 95) were collected from successfully foaling Thoroughbred mares (n =...
Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses in groups: An experimental study. Finding feeding strategies that meet horses' needs without compromising health is essential for optimising welfare, particularly in group housing, where limited hay availability increases aggression and injury risks. Recently, two strategies have emerged: portioning daily intake into smaller, frequent meals using time-controlled hay racks, or slowing intake with "slow-feeders." However, the effects of such management practices on horse behaviour remain underexplored. We conducted a cross-over study with 18 mares divided into four groups to compare three feeding strategies: "traditional" (3 of ...
Bilateral testicle teratoma in an equine fetus: a rare case. Fetal loss in mares can result from a range of causes, including infectious agents or noninfectious conditions such as neoplasia, which may originate from either the fetus or the dam. Among neoplastic conditions, teratomas are rarely reported and, to date, have not been described in the equine fetal testis. Teratomas arise from the partial differentiation of pluripotent germ cells and may occur in young and adult horses, typically in cryptorchid testes. Their gross and histopathological features vary widely between cases. This report describes a rare case of bilateral fetal testicular teratoma...
The Effects of the Lactation Period, Mare Age, and Foaling on the Chemical and Physical Composition of Milk from Kazakh Mares Kept Under Natural Pasture Conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of milk from Kazakh mares kept under free-grazing conditions on natural pasture without supplementary feeding. Fifty Kazakh mares were aged 3 to 13 years, kept in herds, and categorized by age, number of foalings, and lactation stage for statistical analysis. Milk samples were collected, chilled, and analyzed on the same day using a Milkoscan FT2. The composition of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, casein, and other components was examined. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, PCA, CDA, and Pearson correlation analysis, were performed...
Detection of Transdermal Application of Testosterone to Racehorses by Analysis of Urine and Plasma. The use of testosterone in racehorses is predominantly monitored using international urine and plasma concentration-based thresholds and complementary steroid ratios. To date, there has been no published pharmacokinetic study on transdermally applied testosterone products in horses and whether their use could result in adverse analytical findings. Therefore, quantitative analysis of testosterone and epitestosterone in urine and testosterone in plasma samples was performed following a pilot multi-dose transdermal Testogel administration (1 mg/kg once a day for 7 days on clipped skin) to one...
Social Isolation of Horses vs. Support Provided by a Human. It is assumed that horses have a strong herd instinct that cannot be suppressed by any form of social support from humans. The aim of this study was to assess the behaviour and heart rate parameters of horses that received various forms of human support during short-term social isolation. The research material consisted of 12 clinically healthy recreational warmblood mares and geldings. The test was carried out four times. The research test consisted of two parts, which began in the presence of accompanying horses and under conditions of social isolation, with and without support provided by a...
Retrospective five-year study of equine casuistry in a Colombian perinatology center. A retrospective study was conducted at the Foal Care Equine Perinatology Center in Colombia from October 2017 to May 2023. The goal was to analyze the most frequent pathologies, as well as assess the sexes, ages, and breeds of the patients, with an emphasis on the perinatal population. Out of 945 clinical histories, 776 pertained to perinatology. Survival rates were calculated, and a descriptive analysis was performed. The overall survival rate for neonates was 73.6%, with females constituting 57% of the neonatal patients. The most prevalent breed among mares and neonates was the Creole Colomb...
