DTW. Deutsche tierarztliche Wochenschrift1997; 104(8); 313-316;

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

Heilkenbrinker, T
·
Kossin, C
·
Scherbarth, R
·
Frerking, H

Abstract: In this paper, fertility relevant parameters which are routinely examined in practice were evaluated on the basis of their correlation to one another and their influence on the foaling rates and incidence of early embryonic death in 175 brood mares of the Hanover breeding stock. The aim was to evaluate the suitability of these parameters for inclusion in a scheme for increasing the precision of predicting the subsequent course of pregnancy, as compared to such prognoses based exclusively on the histological evaluation of the endometrium. After establishing the breeding history and completing a clinical examination, two swab specimens were obtained for bacteriological culture and cytologic smears and one biopsy specimen was taken from the endometrium for histological examination. The most statistically significant effect on the foaling rate (analysed by logistic regression with two variables) have biopsy grade (p = 0.0087) and mare age (p = 0.0259). A mare between two and nine years of age with a biopsy grade of 1 has a 71% probability of carrying a pregnancy to term. This probability decreases to 43% for a mare 15 years and older with the same biopsy grade. Mare age had a statistically significant effect on biopsy grade (p = 0.005) and on the frequency and degree of endometrosis (p = 0.001). The mare group was significantly correlated (p = 0.012) with the foaling rate (maiden mares 70.6%, foaling mares 60%, problem mares 36.1%). There is a difference of 24% between the foaling rates of foaling and problem mares, although the age and biopsy grade distributions are almost identical in the two groups. The number of barren years had a statistically significant effect (p = 0.0235) on the foaling rate. Mares that bore a foal in the previous breeding period had a foaling rate of 50.7% in the year of examination; mares that had been barren for one year hat a subsequent foaling rate of 40.6%. Mares that had been barren for two years or more had a foaling rate of only 22.7%. The overall impression resulting from the clinical examination was significantly correlated with the foaling rate (p = 0.018%). Mares without abnormal findings had a foaling rate of 54.2%, mares with poor vulval conformation a rate of 46.7%. Mares with a history of pregnancy loss in the current breeding period had a foaling rate of 25% and mares with clinical evidence of endometritis had one of 22.2%.

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Publication Date: 1997-08-01 PubMed ID: 9324459

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Comparative Study
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Summary

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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.

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APA

Heilkenbrinker T, Kossin C, Scherbarth R, Frerking H. (1997). [Examination of the appropriateness of anamnestic and clinical parameters for the prediction of the course of pregnancy under field conditions]. Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 104(8), 313-316.