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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J Suppl / Parturition, dystocia and foal survival: a retrospective stu...
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2012; (41); 22-25; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00476.x

Parturition, dystocia and foal survival: a retrospective study of 1047 births.

Abstract: An understanding of the normal events of foaling, causes of dystocia and clinical outcomes is important for equine practitioners. Objective: The goals of the present study were to: 1) evaluate factors that influence gestation length; 2) report duration of Stage II labour; 3) determine the frequency of dystocia and premature placental separation; and 4) determine the relationship between problems at foaling and foal survival. Methods: Foaling records of 1047 mare births were evaluated. Results: The average gestation length was 342.7 days [corrected] +/- 0.4 days, with no effect of mare age or breed observed. Mares carrying male fetuses had a longer gestation (P < or = 0.001) than mares carrying female fetuses. A majority (52.8%) of mares foaled at night between 2000 h and 0200 h when the facility was quiet. Dystocia occurred in 10.1% of all births and the incidence rate was higher in Thoroughbred mares than in Quarter Horse mares. The most common cause of dystocia was abnormalities of fetal posture. A delay in foal delivery beyond 40 min of Stage II of labour was associated with a significant increase in foal mortality. In addition, an increase in foal morbidity and mortality was noted when the interval from birth to standing or birth to nursing was prolonged. Conclusions: Early detection and rapid appropriate intervention are critical to foal survival in an equine dystocia. Conclusions: Equine veterinarians should counsel horse owners that early recognition of a foaling problem and rapid, appropriate intervention are critical to the survival of a foal.
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Publication Date: 2012-05-19 PubMed ID: 22594021DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00476.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research aims to establish factors that affect the length of gestation, duration of Stage II labour, frequency of complications during childbirth (dystocia), and early placenta separation in horses. The study also explores how these complications affect foal survival rates. It covers research from 1047 mare births and finds that carrying a male fetus tends to extend gestation, the majority of mares give birth at night, and Thoroughbred mares have a higher incidence of dystocia. Prolonged delays during birth or before a foal stands or nurses after birth, were associated with increased foal mortality and morbidity.

Understanding Foaling in Mares

  • The study was built around an extensive review of 1047 horse birth records to gain deeper insight into factors impacting gestation length, stage II labour duration, dystocia occurrence, and its impact on foal survival.
  • Gestation length was found to average about 342.7 days, with no notable changes due to the mare’s age or breed. However, mares carrying a male fetus tended to have a prolonged gestation period compared to ones with female fetuses.
  • A significant share of mares (52.8%) gave birth at night, specifically between 8 PM and 2 AM, when the birthing facility was quieter.

Dystocia and Foal Survival

  • The study found that dystocia—a difficult or abnormal birthing process—affected approximately 10.1% of all examined births, with Thoroughbred mares registering a higher rate than Quarter Horse mares.
  • The most frequent cause of dystocia emerged as fetal posture abnormalities.
  • Notably, a delay in foal delivery exceeding 40 minutes from stage II of labour was significantly correlated with a rise in foal mortality rates. This highlights the critical importance of timely intervention during births where complications arise.
  • Moreover, extended intervals between birth and the foal’s first standing or nursing moments were also observed to increase morbity and mortality in newborns.

Conclusions

  • Results emphasize the profound role of early detection and prompt, correct intervention during equine dystocia instances in enhancing foal survival chances.
  • The study hence recommends that equine veterinarians should advise horse owners about the importance of early detection of foaling issues and the necessary swift, directed interventions for improved foal survival.

Cite This Article

APA
McCue PM, Ferris RA. (2012). Parturition, dystocia and foal survival: a retrospective study of 1047 births. Equine Vet J Suppl(41), 22-25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00476.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 41
Pages: 22-25

Researcher Affiliations

McCue, P M
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA. pmccue@colostate.edu
Ferris, R A

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Animals, Newborn
    • Circadian Rhythm
    • Dystocia / veterinary
    • Female
    • Horse Diseases / etiology
    • Horses
    • Longevity
    • Male
    • Parturition / physiology
    • Pregnancy
    • Retrospective Studies
    • Stillbirth

    Citations

    This article has been cited 17 times.
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