Comparative analysis of breeding patterns and reproductive efficiency of mares in subtropical conditions of Pakistan.
Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the overall and breed-specific seasonal breeding patterns, fertility rates, cyclicity, and follicular dynamics of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective analysis of climatic data and breeding records of eleven breeding studs spanning four years (2020-2023) was made to find out the overall seasonality in the breeding pattern of mares. Fifty mares of each breed (n = 150 in total) were scanned by ultrasonography for a calendar year to find the cyclicity pattern and follicular dynamics (follicular growth rate, size of ovulatory follicle, and days from estrus till ovulation). Conclusions: The statistical analysis of breeding records demonstrated a clear pattern of seasonal breeding (p< 0.05). The highest monthly foalings were noted in March (247 ± 45.37), and overall breeding activities peaked in Spring season (p 0.05). Thoroughbred mares experienced significant seasonal declines from spring to winter with a peak conception rate in winter (63.89% ± 27.37, p > 0.05). Percherons showed the most pronounced seasonal effects, especially with a high fall conception rate (73.04% ± 19.61) and a sharp decrease in winter breeding metrics (p< 0.05). Furthermore, Thoroughbred and Percheron mares displayed the most pronounced seasonal effects on the percentage of cyclic mares 77.3% and 56% in winters (p< 0.05). Moreover, the follicular dynamics of the three breeds also exhibited significant differences (p< 0.05). Conclusions: The current study concludes that seasonal and breed-specific variability exists among the reproductive parameters of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares in subtropics, necessitating breed-specific reproductive management measures to maximize mare breeding efficiency.
© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2024-08-12 PubMed ID: 39132854PubMed Central: PMC11317926DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1582Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Comparative Study
Summary
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The research compared and evaluated the breeding patterns, fertility rates, and follicular dynamics of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares under subtropical conditions in Pakistan.
Research Methods
- The study was based on the analysis of climatic data and breeding records of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares over four years (2020-2023) spanning eleven breeding studs.
- Fifty mares from each breed were extensively observed and tested through ultrasonography for a complete calendar year to determine their cyclicity patterns and follicular dynamics, including the follicular growth rate, the size of the ovulatory follicle, and the number of days from estrus till ovulation.
Research Findings and Analysis
- The research found that there was a distinct seasonal breeding pattern in peak conception rates usually occurring in spring.
- Arab mares had consistent breeding activity throughout the year, with the highest activity in spring and peak conception rate in winter.
- Thoroughbred mares experienced significant seasonal declines from spring to winter with a peak conception rate happening in winter.
- Percheron mares had the most pronounced drop in breeding activity, particularly with a high conception rate in fall and a sharp decrease in winter breeding cycles.
- The Thoroughbred and Percheron mares displayed the most pronounced seasonal effects on the percentage of cyclic mares with 77.3% and 56% respectively in winters.
- The follicular dynamics of the three breeds revealed significant differences.
Conclusions
- The research concludes that both seasonal and breed-specific differences exist among the reproductive parameters of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares in subtropical conditions.
- These findings emphasise the need for breed-specific reproductive management measures to maximise mare breeding efficiency.
Cite This Article
APA
Mahmood K, Hassan M, Channa AA, Ghafoor A, Riaz A.
(2024).
Comparative analysis of breeding patterns and reproductive efficiency of mares in subtropical conditions of Pakistan.
Vet Med Sci, 10(5), e1582.
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1582 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub-Campus UVAS, Lahore), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- University Diagnostic Lab (UDL) at Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / physiology
- Pakistan
- Female
- Seasons
- Retrospective Studies
- Reproduction / physiology
- Breeding
- Tropical Climate
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest that might affect the impartiality of this article.
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