Does the Reproductive Technique Affect Neonatal Health Parameters in Foals?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Equine Health

Background:

• Neonatal behavior is crucial for foal survival and development.
• Advanced reproductive biotechnologies are increasingly used in horse breeding.
• Understanding the impact of these technologies on neonatal parameters is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of different reproductive techniques on neonatal behavior in foals.
• To compare foals conceived via artificial insemination (AI), conventional embryo transfer (ET), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
• To identify factors affecting neonatal health parameters in foals.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 102 foalings from two commercial breeding farms.
• Data collection included birth weight, time to sternal recumbency, stand, nurse, and meconium elimination.
• Mixed statistical models were used to assess the influence of reproductive technique, breed, sex, and farm.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in neonatal parameters were found among foals conceived by AI, ET, or ICSI.
• Significant differences were observed between farms for time to sternal recumbency and nursing.
• Breed influenced birth height and time to meconium elimination.

Conclusions:

• Reproductive biotechnologies, including ICSI, do not adversely affect neonatal health parameters in foals.
• Environmental (farm management) and genetic (breed) factors play a significant role in neonatal outcomes.
• These findings support the safe use of advanced reproductive techniques in equine breeding.