[Fertility in mares after disturbed or undisturbed puerperium; evidence from clinical, microbiologic and hormone analysis].

The research article evaluates the fertility of mares following disturbed or undisturbed puerperium, using clinical, microbiological, and hormonal analysis. The study shows that while many mares had heavy bacterial contamination of uterine content after giving birth, these contaminations did not negatively impact fertility during the initial post birth estrus periods.

Methodology

• The study involved 55 mares who underwent thorough checks on days 3, 6, and 9 following childbirth.
• Procedures included rectal palpation, vaginoscopic inspection, microbiological examination of uterine swabs. In addition to these procedures, progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) levels in the bloodstream were also measured.
• An ultrasonic echography was performed on the 18th day after the last breeding to confirm presence or absence of pregnancy.

Findings

• The study revealed that a significant number of mares experienced heavy bacterial contamination of uterine content during the period after childbirth up to the foal heat. Common bacteria detected included coliforms and beta-hemolytic streptococci.
• The presence of bacterial contaminants did not impede the mare’s fertility during the first post birth estrus periods, contrary to what may be conjectured.
• Rates of dystocia and retained placenta strongly impacted the hormonal condition of the mares during the period after childbirth. This finding suggests that complications during childbirth can affect hormone levels and potentially the mare’s overall health.
• Mares that experienced disturbed involution of the genital system also had complications during childbirth.
• It was observed that a quicker onset of ovarian activity post partum, especially in the months of May, June, and July, resulted in higher pregnancy rates at the foal heat compared to mares with delayed ovarian activity.

Conclusion

• The findings from this research highlight the importance of monitoring mares in the postpartum period to ensure optimal fertility.
• Despite heavy uterine bacterial contamination occurring in many mares during puerperium, these contaminations did not have a negative impact on fertility.
• However, complications such as dystocia and retained placenta could potentially influence the mare’s hormonal stability, indicating that such complications need to be adequately managed.
• Mares with a quicker ovarian activity onset after parturition, particularly during the months of May, June, and July, experienced higher pregnancy rates.