[Examination of the appropriateness of anamnestic and clinical parameters for the prediction of the course of pregnancy under field conditions].

This research aims to identify whether parameters routinely examined in brood mares, such as breeding history, clinical examination results, and biopsy examinations, are effective for predicting future pregnancy outcomes. The study, which involved 175 brood mares, found age, biopsy grade, and number of barren years as highly influential factors affecting the foaling rate.

Methodology and Evaluation Parameters

• The researchers conducted the study on 175 brood mares from the Hanover breeding stock. These mares’ fertility-related parameters, customarily used in practice, were evaluated.
• As part of the examination, the team established the mares’ breeding history, took swab specimens for bacteriological culture and cytologic smears, and obtained a biopsy specimen from the endometrium for histological review.
• The researchers aimed to assess the appropriateness of these parameters in better predicting the course of pregnancy and whether they could enhance the accuracy of predictions based purely on histological evaluation of the endometrium.

Key Findings

• The biopsy grade and the age of the mare were found to significantly affect the foaling rate. Younger mares with a good biopsy grade had a higher probability of carrying a pregnancy to term.
• Mare’s age significantly influenced the biopsy grade and the frequency plus severity of endometrosis. The research shows the older a mare, the lower she scores in biopsy grade, and the more likely she is to develop endometrosis.
• The category or group of mare also correlated with the foaling rate. Specifically, mares with previous successful pregnancies showed a higher foaling rate than those with fertility issues.
• The number of barren years or years in which a mare failed to produce a foal also had a significant impact on the foaling rate. The more barren years, the lesser the foaling rate.
• Lastly, the study found that the foaling rate was significantly correlated with the overall clinical examination outcomes. Mares that showed signs of endometritis or whose current pregnancy had ended in a loss had the lowest rates of successful foaling.

Implications

• The study’s results suggest a need for careful assessment and consideration of these variables in predicting the likely foaling outcomes for mares. Such an approach could be crucial for improving breeding strategies and managing expectations.
• The findings indicate the importance of regular health check-ups for mares, specifically assessing for endometritis, in order to achieve higher foaling rates.