Fetal development may be affected by:
Time of breeding – mares bred earlier tend to have longer gestation periods than those bred later in the summer Nutrition – well fed horses have gestation days shorter than those fed poorer quality feed Breed, mare & stallion – each breed and individual mare and stallion may have influence over gestation length Foal sex – not proven
Parturition
Maternal indications include; mammary gland development up to 6 weeks prior to foaling, colostrum developing 2-3 days prior to foaling, waxing 6-48 hours prior to foaling, relaxation of the sacroiliac ligaments, relaxation & softening of the vulva and surrounding soft tissue, change in belly shape of the mare and tail position.
85% of foaling occurs at night meaning that mares have some influence over birthing.
Stages of Labour: Stage 1:
Restlessness, abdominal pain, sweat patches in flanks and elbows Relaxation & dilation of cervix Onset of uterine contractions The cervical star is present through the cervix and ruptures, releasing the allantoic fluid
Stage 2:
Forcible straining
Lying down & raising again Amnion is present with feet Foal delivered within 30 minutes
Stage 3:
Expulsion of fetal membranes within 4-6 hours Mares not encouraged to get up (could result in retained placenta) Umbilicus contains a significant amount of blood. It is not cut. It will break naturally when the mare stands
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