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Theriogenology2004; 61(5); 883-893; doi: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00279-6

Body weight of mares and foals, estrous cycles and plasma glucose concentration in lactating and non-lactating Lipizzaner mares.

Abstract: This study summarizes weight development, plasma glucose concentrations and reproductive parameters in lactating (n = 46) and non-lactating Lipizzaner mares (n = 11) throughout the breeding season. It was the aim of the study to analyse if an energy deficit with possible effects on reproductive functions occurs at any time during the first 4 months of gestation. Mean gestation length was 334.3 +/- 7.3 days. Gestation of foals born in May/June was shorter (P < 0.01) than for foals born in March/April. Out of the 46 lactating mares, 44 ovulated between Days 8 and 18 postpartum and two mares ovulated on days 30 and 145, respectively. Pregnant mares were significantly (P < 0.001) heavier (600.1 +/- 5.3 kg) than non-pregnant mares (521.8 +/- 10.0 kg) at the beginning of the study. Birth resulted in weight reduction of 64.8 +/- 2.4 kg. During the first 2 weeks postpartum mares lost on average 3.0 +/- 1.8 kg and in the following 2 weeks gained 3.6 +/- 1.4 kg of weight. Thereafter, weight increased slightly but continuously (P < 0.01). At no time after foaling, weight differed significantly between groups. Weight of the foals three days after birth varied between 29 and 67 kg (53.7 +/- 1.1 kg). Average daily weight gain of foals was relatively constant throughout the study period (1.15 +/- 0.17 kg). Although lactation at no time was associated with a major weight loss, it had clear effects on energy metabolism as shown by constantly lower plasma glucose concentrations in lactating mares. Glucose concentrations decreased after foaling and were significantly lower in lactating mares from Weeks 3 to 16 after foaling than at corresponding times in non-lactating mares (P < 0.01). However, glucose concentrations were still within the physiological range. Mares seem to be able to compensate energy losses during lactation mainly by increasing feed intake and not by mobilisation of body fat.
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Publication Date: 2004-02-06 PubMed ID: 14757474DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00279-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research conducted a detailed analysis of weight fluctuations, plasma glucose levels, and reproductive characteristics in lactating and non-lactating Lipizzaner mares during the breeding season, with a specific focus on the first four months of gestation. The study found that despite the weight loss associated with birth and lactation, the mares were able to maintain their glucose levels and reproductive function.

Research Aim and Methodology

  • The research aimed at understanding if an energy deficit impacts the reproductive functions of Lipizzaner mares during the early stages of gestation. The study comprised of monitoring lactating mares (n=46) and non-lactating mares (n=11).
  • Multiple parameters were observed including the weight of mares and their foals, the estrous cycles of the mares, and their plasma glucose concentration.

Findings and Insights

  • The average gestation period was found to be 334.3 +/- 7.3 days. It was observed that the gestation period for foals born in May/June was shorter compared to those born in March/April.
  • Pregnant mares at the beginning of the study were found to be significantly heavier than non-pregnant mares. After birth, mares experienced a reduction in weight. However, their weight increased marginally but consistently thereafter. The weight of lactating and non-lactating mares did not show a significant difference at any time after foaling.
  • The foals’ weight three days after birth varied between 29 and 67 kg. Their weight gain remained constant throughout the study period.
  • Despite weight loss due to lactation, mares were able to maintain their energy levels, as indicated by consistently lower but within the physiological range, plasma glucose levels in lactating mares when compared to non-lactating mares.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that mares have the capability of compensating energy losses during lactation primarily by increasing feed intake rather than mobilizing body fat.
  • This research’s findings have significant implications for understanding the reproductive and physiological responses of Lipizzaner mares during gestation and lactation periods.

Cite This Article

APA
Heidler B, Aurich JE, Pohl W, Aurich C. (2004). Body weight of mares and foals, estrous cycles and plasma glucose concentration in lactating and non-lactating Lipizzaner mares. Theriogenology, 61(5), 883-893. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00279-6

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 5
Pages: 883-893

Researcher Affiliations

Heidler, B
  • Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
Aurich, J E
    Pohl, W
      Aurich, Chr

        MeSH Terms

        • Aging
        • Animals
        • Animals, Newborn / growth & development
        • Blood Glucose / analysis
        • Body Weight
        • Breeding
        • Estrous Cycle
        • Female
        • Gestational Age
        • Horses / blood
        • Horses / growth & development
        • Horses / physiology
        • Lactation / physiology
        • Male
        • Ovulation
        • Postpartum Period
        • Pregnancy
        • Seasons

        Citations

        This article has been cited 6 times.
        1. Ali A, Derar DR, Alaeyeari AA, Alharbi YM. Fetometry in Arabian horses. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1689769.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1689769pubmed: 41209474google scholar: lookup
        2. Newcombe JR, Cuervo-Arango J, Wilsher S. The Timing of the Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy Is Specific to Individual Mares. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 22;13(10).
          doi: 10.3390/ani13101718pubmed: 37238148google scholar: lookup
        3. Song Y, Day CM, Afinjuomo F, Tan JE, Page SW, Garg S. Advanced Strategies of Drug Delivery via Oral, Topical, and Parenteral Administration Routes: Where Do Equine Medications Stand?. Pharmaceutics 2023 Jan 4;15(1).
          doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010186pubmed: 36678815google scholar: lookup
        4. Kuhl J, Stock KF, Wulf M, Aurich C. Maternal Lineage of Warmblood Mares Contributes to Variation of Gestation Length and Bias of Foal Sex Ratio. PLoS One 2015;10(10):e0139358.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139358pubmed: 26436555google scholar: lookup
        5. Peugnet P, Wimel L, Duchamp G, Sandersen C, Camous S, Guillaume D, Dahirel M, Dubois C, Jouneau L, Reigner F, Berthelot V, Chaffaux S, Tarrade A, Serteyn D, Chavatte-Palmer P. Enhanced or reduced fetal growth induced by embryo transfer into smaller or larger breeds alters post-natal growth and metabolism in pre-weaning horses. PLoS One 2014;9(7):e102044.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102044pubmed: 25006665google scholar: lookup
        6. Manso Filho HC, Costa HE, Wu G, McKeever KH, Watford M. Equine placenta expresses glutamine synthetase. Vet Res Commun 2009 Feb;33(2):175-82.
          doi: 10.1007/s11259-008-9167-2pubmed: 18726164google scholar: lookup
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