[Follicular growth and dynamics before and during ovulation in the mare: review for the practitioner].

This research article offers a practical review of the use of echography, or medical ultrasound, in equine breeding. It aims to help veterinarians better understand and predict ovulation in mares by identifying different stages of estrous cycle and inspecting the status of preovulatory follicles.

Overview of the Study

• This review focuses on the use and impact of echography in equine breeding. Echography or medical ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal body structures. This technique is heavily utilized in various fields of veterinary medicine and particular in equine breeding.
• The initial expectation of this study is to provide animal clinicians/practitioners with a better understanding of the use of an ultrasound in identifying the various stages of mare’s estrous cycle and the status of preovulatory follicles. By doing so, this can potentially allow the practitioner to predict the time of ovulation in mares more accurately.

Stages of Estrous Cycle and Preovulatory Follicles

• The estrous cycle in horses, or more specifically in mares, is the time from one period of sexual receptivity to the next. It is crucial to understand the different stages of the estrous cycle to maximize breeding success and efficiency.
• One of the key features examined in this review is the status of the preovulatory follicles. These are the ovarian follicles, which mature and eventually rupture to release the ovum during ovulation. Understanding the maturity and status of these follicles provides a strong indicator of the timing of ovulation.

Objective of the Review

• The study aims to provide practitioners with the necessary echographic specifics and criteria needed to effectively track and predict ovulation in mares. This would require a critical understanding of the estrous cycle stages and the maturity of preovulatory follicles.
• The science and data used in the study are sourced from the latest research presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Equine Reproduction.