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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet J / The effect of intra-uterine devices on the reproductive phys...
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2009; 186(1); 39-46; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.07.013

The effect of intra-uterine devices on the reproductive physiology and behaviour of pony mares.

Abstract: Spherical (35 mm diameter) glass intra-uterine devices (IUDs) are commonly understood to modify sexual behaviour in performance mares. The effect of IUDs on the endocrinology (luteinising hormone, oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone), ovarian and uterine function, sexual and social behaviours associated with the ovarian cycle were evaluated during the natural breeding season in nine, nuliparous pony mares (4.6±0.5 years old, 230±12 kg bodyweight). Age and weight-matched groups were allocated to sham-treatment (n=5) or IUD-implantation (n=4) groups. Fifty complete ovarian cycles were evaluated, with 26 ovarian cycles monitored for the nine mares prior to treatment and a further 12 cycles were evaluated for mares in each of the groups post-treatment. Detailed characterisation of cyclic reproductive changes in the pony may be of value for controlled breeding programmes. The presence of an IUD was well-tolerated, but failed to modify any recorded aspect of reproductive physiology or behaviour.
Crown Copyright © 2009. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2009-08-25 PubMed ID: 19709909DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.07.013Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 study examines how glass intra-uterine devices (IUDs), often used to modify sexual behavior in performance mares, affect the reproductive physiology and behavior of pony mares. The researchers found that while the IUDs were well-tolerated, they didn’t produce any noticeable changes in the mares’ reproductive bodies or behavior.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers studied the effect of spherical (35mm diameter) glass intra-uterine devices (IUDs) on nine nulliparous (never gave birth) pony mares during their natural breeding season.
  • The mares were approximately 4.6 years old with a bodyweight of around 230 kg.
  • The mares were divided into two groups. One group received the IUD implantation and the other group received a sham treatment for control.
  • They monitored and evaluated a total of 50 ovarian cycles, including 26 cycles before the treatment and 12 cycles after treatment for each group.

Research Findings

  • The study found that the IUDs were well-tolerated by the mares.
  • No noticeable changes were recorded in the mares’ reproductive physiology or behavior. This includes the functions of ovaries and uterus, endocrine components (luteinising hormone, oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone), as well as sexual and social behaviours associated with their ovarian cycle.

Implications of the Study

  • The results of this study suggest that while IUDs are well tolerated by pony mares, they may not have the intended effects on reproductive physiology or behaviour as previously believed.
  • This detailed analysis of the cyclic reproductive changes in pony mares could be useful for developing and implementing controlled breeding programs.
  • Future research might need to investigate other methods or interventions to modify the sexual behaviour of performance mares.

Cite This Article

APA
Argo CM, Turnbull EB. (2009). The effect of intra-uterine devices on the reproductive physiology and behaviour of pony mares. Vet J, 186(1), 39-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.07.013

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 186
Issue: 1
Pages: 39-46

Researcher Affiliations

Argo, C M
  • Division of Equine Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK. argo@liv.ac.uk
Turnbull, E B

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Estrous Cycle / physiology
    • Female
    • Glass
    • Horses / physiology
    • Horses / psychology
    • Intrauterine Devices / veterinary
    • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology

    Citations

    This article has been cited 2 times.
    1. Aurich C, Kaps M. Suppression of reproductive behaviour and gonadal function in female horses-An update. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Sep;57 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):4-12.
      doi: 10.1111/rda.14129pubmed: 35467049google scholar: lookup
    2. Rivera Del Alamo MM, Reilas T, Lukasik K, Galvão AM, Yeste M, Katila T. Inflammatory Markers in Uterine Lavage Fluids of Pregnant, Non-Pregnant, and Intrauterine Device Implanted Mares on Days 10 and 15 Post Ovulation. Animals (Basel) 2021 Dec 8;11(12).
      doi: 10.3390/ani11123493pubmed: 34944269google scholar: lookup
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