Archive for the ‘Horse Gestation’ Category
| Mating & Gestation Stats | |
| Proper age at first mating | 3 years |
| Period of fertility | 10-12 years |
| Average estral cycle (including heat) | 21 days |
|
Estral range |
10-37 days |
| Average length of heat | 5-6 days |
|
Heat range |
2-11 days |
| Usual Ovulation | 24-48 hours before estrus ends |
| Cycle returns, if not breed | 21 days |
| Average gestation | 340 days |
|
Gestation range |
310-370 days |
Look no further than our very own 340-Day Horse Gestation Tables!
Broodmares have special need compared to other horses.
The differences are the amount of feed required and the type of feed used.
The Broodmare goes through different stages of nutritional requirements that can affect the foal and it’s development.. Early Gestation (first 8 months) Late Gestation (Last 3 months) and Lactation (milking)
Broodmares should be in good flesh to conceive.
Body condition is the most important factor affecting the reproductive performance of mares. Mares in good flesh.
- Cycle earlier in the year( daylight may not be as big a factor as condition and energy intake).
- The length of time a mare carries the foal inside her body is usually 11 to 12 months.
- The legs of a newborn foal are almost as long (about 90%) as those of the mare. It will grow slightly over a lifetime.
- A foal is able to stand just one hour after birth and can walk, trot, and run just two hours after birth!
- The first milk the mare makes is called colostrum. This is a rich milk and it is very important for the foal, because it helps protect it against disease.
Stalls: Your pregnant horse’s stall should be larger than her usual one. I recommend 24X24 stalls, though 20X20 is usually sufficient. She won’t need the larger area until the foal is born, but you don’t want to transfer her just before the birth. The mare should be comfortable in her surroundings to make the birth less stressful.
Vital Signs: Keep a daily record of her vital signs, including her respiration, heart rate, and temperature. These records will help you monitor her progress, and stay on top of her health.
