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Home / Equine Research Bank / Theriogenology / Relationships of age to uterine function and reproductive ef...
Theriogenology1992; 37(5); 1101-1115; doi: 10.1016/0093-691x(92)90108-4

Relationships of age to uterine function and reproductive efficiency in mares.

Abstract: The uterine function and reproductive efficiency of 31 nonlactating pony mares were compared for two age groups: young (5 to 7 years, n=9) and old (>/=15 years, n=22). For pregnant mares, differences between age groups were not significant for the diameter of the largest follicle, cross-sectional area of the corpus luteum, growth profile of the embryonic vesicle or embryo mobility characteristics. Uterine contractility scores were lower (P<0.05), day of fixation of the embryonic vesicle was later (P<0.05), and uterine tone tended (P<0.10) to be lower in the old than the young mares. Endometrial biopsies in old mares had more (P<0.05) inflammatory cell infiltrations, more (P<0.05) fibrotic changes, and less dense (P<0.05) endometrial glands than in young mares. Ultrasonically detected intrauterine fluid collections were more extensive (P<0.05) in the old than the young mares. The pregnancy rate on Day 12 (Day 0=ovulation) was lower (P<0.05) and embryo-loss rate (Days 12 to 39) was greater (P<0.05) in old (32 and 62%, respectively) than in young (100 and 11%, respectively) mares. The results confirmed previous reports that old age was associated with increased endometrial inflammation, reduced pregnancy rate and increased embryo-loss rate. The results also indicated that uterine contractility and uterine tone were reduced and the fixation of the embryonic vesicle occurred later in old than in young mares.
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Publication Date: 1992-05-01 PubMed ID: 16727108DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(92)90108-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research article studied the reproductive efficiency and uterine function in mares of different age groups, providing the understanding that older mares showed increased inflammation, reduced pregnancy rates and higher embryo-loss rates as compared to younger mares.

Objective of the Research

  • The primary objective of the research was to investigate the disparities in the reproductive efficiency and uterine function of nonlactating pony mares, specifically comparing different age groups.

Method

  • The research involved a focused study on two age group samples: young mares (5 to 7 years, n=9) and old mares (15 years or older, n=22).
  • Various parameters like diameter of the largest follicle, cross-sectional area of the corpus luteum, growth profile of the embryonic vesicle, etc., were assessed across both groups.

Findings

  • Differences in the parameters for pregnant mares, such as follicle diameter, corpus luteum area, embryonic vesicle growth, and embryo mobility, were not significantly different between young and old mares.
  • On the other hand, uterine contractility scores were significantly lower, the day of embryonic vesicle fixation occurred later, and uterine tone levels tended to be lower in older mares compared to younger ones.
  • Endometrial biopsies showed old mares had more inflammatory cell infiltrations and fibrotic changes, and less dense endometrial glands than the younger mares, indicating degenerative changes with aging.
  • Old mares also had more pronounced intrauterine fluid collections detected via ultrasonics.

Impact on Reproductive Efficiency

  • The pregnancy rate on the 12th day post ovulation was lesser in old mares than in young ones.
  • The embryo-loss rate was significantly higher in old mares than in young ones between the 12th and 39th day post ovulation.
  • The study’s results confirmed previous reports indicating that aging in mares is linked to increased endometrial inflammation, reduced pregnancy rates, and increased embryo-loss rates.
  • Furthermore, in older mares, uterine contractility and tone were found to be reduced, and the fixation of the embryonic vesicle occurred later than in younger mares.

Conclusion

  • The research provided valuable insights into the impact of aging on the uterine function and reproductive efficiency of mares, which is important for breeders and veterinarians for breeding management and fertility issues in older mares.

Cite This Article

APA
Carnevale EM, Ginther OJ. (1992). Relationships of age to uterine function and reproductive efficiency in mares. Theriogenology, 37(5), 1101-1115. https://doi.org/10.1016/0093-691x(92)90108-4

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 5
Pages: 1101-1115

Researcher Affiliations

Carnevale, E M
  • Department of Veterinary Science 1655 Linden Drive University of Wisconsin, Madison Madison, WI 53706 USA.
Ginther, O J

    Citations

    This article has been cited 24 times.
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