Evaluation of the post-partum mare in relation to foal heat breeding. II. Uterine swabbing and biopsies.

This study evaluates the potential correlation between foal heat breeding success and uterine conditions in mares after giving birth. The main finding is that the presence of neutrophils in day 5 uterine biopsy specimens seems to be linked with foal heat fertility, but routine swabbing for bacteria and neutrophils may not be necessary.

Introduction

• In this research, 38 mares, accounting for 53 post-partum periods, are studied.
• The aim is to examine the relationship between the uterine health of mare’s post-partum and successful breeding during foal heat, the first estrus post-birth.

Methodology

• Uterine samples are collected on the 2nd and 5th days post-partum, and subsequently every other day till ovulation occurs.
• These collected uterine swabs are assessed for the presence of bacteria and neutrophils, while uterine biopsy specimens were studied for neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Findings

• Observations reveal that the occurrence of bacteria and leukocytes is most prevalent on the 5th day post-partum.
• On the 2nd day post-partum, the dominant organism is E.coli, while on the 5th day, P-haemolytic streptococci is dominant.
• Out of the 38 mares, 34 were inseminated during their first post-partum estrus.
• Results show a correlation between the occurrence of neutrophils in the uterine biopsy specimens on day 5 and foal heat fertility. However, no significant correlation is seen with the presence of bacteria and neutrophils in the uterine swabs.

Conclusion

• Based on the research findings, it is suggested that routine swabbing of mares post-partum does not appear to be necessary or worthwhile.
• Further studies may be required to confirm these findings and to continue investigations into the optimisation of equine breeding practices.