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Induction of parturition in mares
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Oxytocin dosage significantly impacts mare delivery times and placental expulsion during induced parturitions. Oestrogen aids cervical dilation but is not essential for successful induced birth, with no adverse effects on fertility.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Reproduction
- Animal Science
Background:
- Induced parturition in mares is a critical intervention for managing dystocia and other complications.
- Understanding the hormonal influences on equine parturition is essential for optimizing reproductive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying doses of oestrogen and oxytocin on induced parturition in mares.
- To evaluate the impact of these hormones on parturition timing, clinical signs, and fertility.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year study involving 31 mares and 37 induced parturitions.
- Administration of various doses of oestrogen and oxytocin to induce labor.
- Monitoring of clinical signs, delivery completion, placental expulsion, and subsequent fertility.
Main Results:
- Increasing oxytocin doses significantly influenced the timing and expression of parturition signs, delivery duration, and placental expulsion.
- Oestrogen effectively softened and relaxed the cervix, particularly when initially tight, but was not crucial for induction if the cervix was already dilating.
- Induced parturition did not adversely affect mare fertility.
Conclusions:
- Oxytocin is a key hormonal agent for controlling the timeline of induced parturition in mares.
- Oestrogen can be a useful adjunct for cervical preparation but is not always necessary for successful induction.
- Induced parturition in mares is a viable procedure that does not compromise future reproductive performance.