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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice

Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice

Published on: March 5, 2020

Sexual behavior of mares.

Sharon L Crowell-Davis¹

¹Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. scrowell@vet.uga.edu

Hormones and Behavior

|May 10, 2007

Summary

Female horses (mares) have reproductive cycles influenced by daylight, with distinct estrus and diestrus periods. Their year-round sexual behavior may help maintain social bonds within horse family groups.

Area of Science:

Veterinary Science
Animal Behavior
Reproductive Biology

Background:

Mares are seasonally polyestrous, with reproductive activity linked to daylight hours.
Estrus cycles in mares typically last three weeks, divided into estrus and diestrus phases.
Social structure influences mare reproductive behavior, with distinct interactions between mares and stallions.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the estrus cycle and associated behaviors in mares.
To investigate the hormonal regulation of estrous behavior.
To explore the role of year-round sexual behavior in maintaining horse social structure.

Main Methods:

Observational studies of mare and stallion social interactions.
Hormonal analysis related to estrus and diestrus.

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Comparison of mare reproductive seasonality with other ungulates.

Main Results:

Estrus is characterized by specific behaviors towards stallions, while diestrus involves avoidance and aggression.
Estradiol initiates estrous behavior, suppressed by progesterone.
Mares exhibit estrous behavior even during the anovulatory period, possibly due to adrenal estrogenic steroids.

Conclusions:

Mare reproductive cycles are influenced by photoperiod and hormones.
Unique year-round sexual behavior in mares may facilitate stable social structures.
Understanding these cycles is crucial for equine management and reproductive health.