Assessment for predicting parturition in mares based on prepartum temperature changes using a digital rectal thermometer and microchip transponder thermometry device.

This research aimed to identify any predictors of impending birth in mares (female horses) by observing changes in body temperature before parturition (birth). Using a wireless temperature monitoring device, a digital rectal thermometer and a microchip transponder thermometry device, the study found that body temperature changes before parturition were significant, and these changes could potentially assist in predicting when birth will happen.

Study Approach

• The researchers measured the body temperatures of pregnant mares using three different devices: a wireless temperature monitoring device (WTMD), a digital rectal thermometer (DRT), and a microchip transponder thermometry device (MTTD).
• The body temperatures were taken at specific times: the morning of the day of parturition (‘Day 0’), three hours before parturition (‘-3 hr’), two hours before parturition (‘-2 hr’), one hour before parturition (‘-1 hr’), and at the time of parturition.
• These measurements were compared to the body temperatures measured at the same times on Days 1 to 5 preceding parturition.

Findings of the Study

• The body temperatures measured by the WTMD at 0 hr and -1 hr were significantly different from those at the same time on Days 1-5. This indicates that there were notable changes in body temperature close to the time of parturition.
• Similarly, measuring the temperature differences between the morning of Day 0 and at -3 hr, -2 hr, -1 hr, and 0 hr using the DRT and MTTD showed a significant drop in temperature when compared to the temperature differences between the morning and evening of Days 1-5.
• When the value of the temperature differences between morning and other times was set at ≤0, the sensitivity of predicting parturition using DRT and MTTD increased significantly.

Implications of the Findings

• The findings suggest that observing the body temperature differences between morning and within 3 hrs before the parturition time could be a significant method for predicting parturition in mares.
• This approach, however, isn’t 100% accurate and can result in nearly a 20% probability of false-positive results before the actual day of parturition.
• Therefore, it would be beneficial to use this method in combination with other observations, such as the size of the mammary gland and waxing of the teat ends, for a more accurate prediction of parturition.