Body temperature and behaviour of mares during the last two weeks of pregnancy.
Abstract: Average daily core body temperature and behavioural patterns of pregnant mares were studied, in search of definitive signs of parturition within 24 h of the event. Nineteen pony mares were sampled twice daily for core body temperature. A significant temperature drop, averaging 0.1 degrees C (0.2 degrees F) was observed during the day prior to parturition. Between 18.00 h and 06.00 h, during the two weeks before parturition, Thoroughbred and Standardbred mares (n = 52) spent an average 66.8 per cent of their time standing, 27.0 per cent eating, 4.9 per cent lying in sternal recumbency, 1.0 per cent lying in lateral recumbency, and 0.3 per cent walking. On the night before parturition, mares spent significantly less time lying in sternal recumbency than on previous nights and on the night of parturition all behaviour patterns except eating were significantly different from the nights of the two weeks before parturition. There was an increase in walking (5.3 per cent), lying in sternal recumbency (8 per cent) and lying in lateral recumbency (5.3 per cent) whereas standing (53.3 per cent) was decreased. In 58 observed pregnancies, 54 mares (97 per cent) foaled in a recumbent position and 50 mares (86 per cent) foaled between 18.00 h and 06.00 h.
Publication Date: 1988-05-01 PubMed ID: 3402416DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1988.tb01499.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research primarily focuses on the behavioral and bodily trends in pregnant mares during the final two weeks preceding parturition, intending to identify specific signs of upcoming childbirth within 24 hours. The scientists noted a significant drop in body temperature and observed alterations in the horses’ behavioral patterns.
Methods and Data Collection
- The study was conducted on a total of 71 mares. In which, 19 pony mares were sampled bi-daily for measuring core body temperature. Alongside, a group of 52 Thoroughbred and Standardbred mares were monitored for a detailed understanding of their behavioral patterns.
Findings
- On the day preceding parturition, the pony mares experienced a minor, yet significant temperature drop of about 0.1 degrees Celsius (0.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Thoroughbred and Standardbred mares exhibited a predictable daily routine in the two weeks leading up to parturition. On an average, they spent 66.8% of their time standing, 27% eating, 4.9% lying in sternal recumbency (on their chests), 1% lying in lateral recumbency (on their sides), and 0.3% walking.
- However, on the night prior to parturition, the mares spent distinctly less time in sternal recumbency, indicating a change in behavior pattern.
- On the night of parturition, all behavioral patterns except for eating demonstrated a significant change. There was observed an increase in activities like walking (up by 5%), and lying (both sternal and lateral recumbency increased by approximately 8 and 5.3 percent respectively), while standing time decreased to 53.3%.
- Of the 58 observed pregnancies, an overwhelming majority of mares (54 or 97%) gave birth in a recumbent position breaking the standard behavioral patterns. Additionally, most of the mares (50 or 86%) gave birth between the evening and early morning hours (18.00 h to 06.00 h).
Implications of Research
- The findings provide valuable insight into the physical and behavioural indicators of imminent birth in mares. The shift in behaviors and drop in body temperature could act as useful signs for horse breeders and vets to anticipate parturition within 24 hours.
Cite This Article
APA
Shaw EB, Houpt KA, Holmes DF.
(1988).
Body temperature and behaviour of mares during the last two weeks of pregnancy.
Equine Vet J, 20(3), 199-202.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1988.tb01499.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Physiology, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Body Temperature
- Circadian Rhythm
- Eating
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Labor, Obstetric / physiology
- Motor Activity
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy, Animal / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Aoki T, Shibata M, Violin G, Higaki S, Yoshioka K. Detection of foaling using a tail-attached device with a thermistor and tri-axial accelerometer in pregnant mares. PLoS One 2023;18(6):e0286807.
- Jung Y, Chang H, Yoon M. Development of a foaling alarm system using an accelerometer. J Anim Sci Technol 2022 Nov;64(6):1237-1244.
- Basavaraj C, Grant AD, Aras SG, Erickson EN. Deep learning model using continuous skin temperature data predicts labor onset. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024 Nov 25;24(1):777.
- Lindinger H, Wehrend A. Characterization of Typical Behaviors of Mares in the Opening Phase of Parturition-Influence of Parity and Dystocia. Animals (Basel) 2024 Mar 28;14(7).
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