Progesterone therapy in mares with abnormal oestrous cycles.

This research article investigates the effectiveness of progesterone therapy in treating mares with irregular oestrous cycles. The studies conducted in France and Holland aimed to induce normal cycles in these mares and subsequently enhance their fertility.

Research Overview

The study comprised two individual experiments conducted on a total of 41 mares experiencing irregular oestrous cycles. The irregularities were mainly of two types: either mares found to be in anoestrus (without heat cycles) or displaying continuous oestrous behaviour in the early part of the covering or breeding season. In order to regulate their cycles, the mares were treated with an intravaginal device that gradually releases progesterone.

• In the first experiment, 32 mares were treated using the device. The treatment resulted in successful ovulation in 24 mares and 11 managed to get impregnated at the induced oestrus.
• In the second experiment, nine mares underwent the same treatment. Oestrus was found in all mares except for one, seven of them ovulated, and six conceived at the post-treatment oestrus.

Results and Implications

The end of the covering season signified the conclusion of the experiments and the result analysis. Out of 21 mares treated for anoestrus, 15 were found to be pregnant. In mares treated for persistent oestrus, seven out of 11 managed to conceive.

• The results indicate a high effectiveness of progesterone therapy in inducing ovulation and improving the fertility rates in mares with abnormal oestrous cycles.
• This approach can be beneficial to horse breeders and handlers who face fertility issues in their mares.
• However, this study is limited by the relatively small sample size and further research is needed in larger and varied populations of mares.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research suggests that progesterone therapy is potentially effective in regulating the oestrous cycle in mares, subsequently increasing chances of successful breeding. However, further research on a larger scale and more diverse population of mares is required to validate and generalize the results of these experiments.