Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
Published on: October 25, 2015
Factors influencing gestation length in Mares in the Tiaret region, Algeria
1University of Mostafa Stambouli, Veterinary Sciences, Mascara 29000, Algeria; Reproduction of Farm's Animals Laboratory, University of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria.
Background:
Gestation length is a key parameter in equine reproductive management, yet its variability remains poorly documented in Barb and Arabian mares under Algerian conditions.
Aims:
This study aims to determine gestation length in mares and to assess the influence of various factors, including breed, year of mating, mating month, mare age, parity, reproductive status, stallion and the foal's sex on gestation duration.
Methods:
A total of 133 mares from the National Stud Farm of Tiaret (Algeria) were monitored over the period 2021-2024.
Results:
The mean gestation length was 332.5 days (range: 300-361 days). A multivariable linear mixed model analysis indicated that breed, and reproductive status significantly influenced gestation length (P<0.05), with longer durations observed in Arabian mares and in foaling mares compared to barren and maiden mares. In contrast, mating month, mating year, mare age, parity, and foal sex were not significant (P>0.05). The stallion effect accounted for a small proportion of the variance (ICC = 0.051).
Conclusion:
Variations in gestation length are primarily related to breed and reproductive status, highlighting their relevance for improving reproductive management in mares.
