A survey of reproductive performance in Thoroughbred mares and morbidity, mortality and athletic potential of their foals.
Abstract: A survey was performed to evaluate the reproductive performance of Thoroughbred mares, estimate risks of dystocia and of morbidity and mortality in foals during the first year post partum and their physical acceptability at age one year. The study population consisted of registered Thoroughbred mares and their foals owned by residents of 4 Western Canadian provinces. Owners were identified using information obtained from the North American Jockey Club, and questionnaires were mailed regarding mares bred in 1988 and their foals born in 1989. Eighty-three per cent of mares were reported to be pregnant at some stage following breeding, and 80% of pregnant mares subsequently gave birth to live foals. Estimates of morbidity and mortality were greater than previously reported, 25% of foals had health problems and 5% died during the first 2 weeks postpartum. Twenty-seven per cent of foals surviving 2 weeks were reportedly affected by some health problem between age 15 days and one year, and 6% died during this period. The case fatality rates of horses with upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea were much lower than case fatality rates for infectious diseases occurring less frequently. The rate of death or euthanasia among horses with musculoskeletal problems was relatively high after age 2 weeks. Foals with health problems up to age 2 weeks, or between age 15 days and one year were 5 to 7 times more likely to be classified as physically unacceptable for athletic use. Angular limb deformity was the health problem most commonly reported in foals receiving unacceptable physical assessments, and assessments of longterm athletic potential were apparently not affected by the occurrence of infectious diseases.
Publication Date: 1997-07-01 PubMed ID: 15338910DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03126.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research study assessed the reproductive performance of Thoroughbred mares and the health, survival rate, and athletic potential of their foals during their first year of life. High rates of morbidity and mortality were observed amongst the foals, and those with health issues were more likely to be deemed physically unsuitable for athletic use.
Research Methods
The research was conducted via a survey involving Thoroughbred mares and their foals from four Western Canadian provinces. Identification of the owners was achieved through data from the North American Jockey Club, and questionnaires pertaining to mares bred in 1988 and their offspring born in 1989 were sent out. The surveys covered factors such as the mares’ reproductive performance and records of the foals’ health, survival, and athletic abilities.
Findings
- Eighty-three percent of the mares ended up being pregnant following breeding, and 80% of these pregnancies resulted in live births.
- Notable instances of morbidity and mortality were reported amongst the foals. One in four had health problems, and 5% died within two weeks of being born.
- Of the foals that survived the first two weeks, 27% had health issues between day 15 and their first birthday, and 6% died within this period.
- Foals with health complications within the first two weeks, or between fifteen days and one year old were five to seven times more likely to be regarded as physically unfit for athletic use.
Mortality and Morbidity Rates per Ailments
- The study showed that horses with upper respiratory infections and diarrhoea yielded much lower fatality rates than those with less frequent but infectious diseases.
- Mortality rates among horses with musculoskeletal issues were relatively high post the 2-week period.
- Angular limb deformity was the most commonly reported health problem among foals deemed physically unfit.
- Assessments of longterm athletic potential appeared to be unaffected by the occurrence of infectious diseases.
Significance of the Findings
This study is a crucial step in understanding the challenges faced in the breeding of Thoroughbred mares and the high mortality and morbidity rates amongst their foals. The findings draw attention to the major health issues affecting this breed and their impact on the athletic potential of the horses. The results could be used to guide future breeding programs and the management of foal health to improve breeding success rates and foal performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Morley PS, Townsend HG.
(1997).
A survey of reproductive performance in Thoroughbred mares and morbidity, mortality and athletic potential of their foals.
Equine Vet J, 29(4), 290-297.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03126.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1092, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Breeding
- Canada / epidemiology
- Diarrhea / epidemiology
- Diarrhea / mortality
- Diarrhea / veterinary
- Dystocia / epidemiology
- Dystocia / mortality
- Dystocia / veterinary
- Female
- Fetal Death / epidemiology
- Fetal Death / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / mortality
- Horses / physiology
- Limb Deformities, Congenital / epidemiology
- Limb Deformities, Congenital / mortality
- Limb Deformities, Congenital / veterinary
- Male
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology
- Pregnancy Outcome / veterinary
- Reproduction
- Respiratory Tract Diseases / epidemiology
- Respiratory Tract Diseases / mortality
- Respiratory Tract Diseases / veterinary
- Risk Factors
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Survival Analysis
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Inoue S. Influence of broodmare aging on its offspring's racing performance. PLoS One 2022;17(7):e0271535.
- Flash ML, Wong ASM, Stevenson MA, Gilkerson JR. Barriers to entering race training before 4 years of age for Thoroughbred horses born in the 2014 Australian foal crop. PLoS One 2020;15(8):e0237003.
- Robeck TR, Willis K, Scarpuzzi MR, O'Brien JK. Comparisons of life-history parameters between free-ranging and captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management. J Mammal 2015 Sep 29;96(5):1055-1070.
- Galvin N, Corley K. Causes of disease and death from birth to 12 months of age in the Thoroughbred horse in Ireland. Ir Vet J 2010 Jan 1;63(1):37-43.
- Leblond A, Villard I, Leblond L, Sabatier P, Sasco AJ. A retrospective evaluation of the causes of death of 448 insured French horses in 1995. Vet Res Commun 2000 Mar;24(2):85-102.
- Ellerbrock M, Krohn J, Büttner K, Wehrend A. Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia. Acta Vet Scand 2024 Oct 11;66(1):55.
- Ricard RM, St-Jean G, Atwal HK, Wobeser BK. A retrospective study of equine perinatal loss in Canada (2007 to 2020). Can Vet J 2023 Oct;64(10):933-940.
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