Successful induction of lactation in a barren Thoroughbred mare: growth of a foal raised on induced lactation and the corresponding maternal hormone profiles.

The study observes the viability of inducing lactation in a barren Thoroughbred mare by hormonal treatment, assessing its effectiveness to nurse an orphan foal, and the mare’s ability to conceive post-treatment. Key maternal hormones were observed throughout the process, as well as the weight development of the adopted foal compared to naturals.

Induced Lactation and Adoption of Orphan Foal

• The primary aim of the study was to investigate whether an orphan foal could be successfully raised by a barren Thoroughbred mare, which could lactate after hormonal treatment. The research enhances understanding of whether the induced mare can also conceive following the end of hormonal treatment.
• It was found that the adopted foal weighed significantly analogous to the control foals on the same farm raised by their natural mothers – a mere difference of 17kg at 24 weeks of age (the weaning stage). But these weights almost evened out at the 35 weeks stage and beyond.

Maternal Hormonal Profiles

• Various hormones such as prolactin, estradiol-17β, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were monitored in the mare both before and after the hormonal treatment, and during the lactation induction.
• The study observed a regular pattern in the changes in plasma progesterone, estradiol-17β, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone following the first ovulation.
• The first instance of ovulation post the hormonal treatment was revealed ten days after the cessation of the treatment, which marked the resumption of the normal estrous cycle.

Conception and Economic Implications

• The mare was found capable of conception in its fifth ovulation following the hormonal treatment. This is contrast to another study, referenced in the paper, where conception was achieved at the mare’s first ovulation after hormonal treatment.
• This study holds economic and health implications, presenting a possible solution to the monetary and health-related issues connected with introducing a nurse mare to an orphan foal.

Conclusion

• This research is pioneering in terms of offering insight into hormonal profiles during and after lactation induction in a Thoroughbred mare. This provides potential alternative solutions in situations demanding the introduction of a nurse mare to an orphan foal.