The breeding season brings excitement and high expectations. But before mares and their owners jump into the process, a season of preparation can make a world of difference.
With careful planning and the right groundwork, you can set the stage for a successful breeding season that not only supports reproductive health but also promotes a positive outcome for all involved.
Put Your Mare Under Lights
One of the most effective ways to help your mare transition smoothly into breeding season is by putting her under lights. Horses are seasonal breeders, and mares typically come into estrus naturally as daylight lengthens in spring. To encourage earlier cycling, you can simulate these longer days by exposing your mare to extended artificial light starting around December 1st.
- Light Duration: Mares need around 14 to 16 hours of light each day to stimulate reproductive activity. You can achieve this by placing them under artificial lights, either in their stall or paddock, to extend “daylight” beyond natural sunset. The goal should be to provide 16 hours of light and allow for 8 hours of darkness. It is recommended to utilize a timer to automatically to ensure lights come on just before dusk and turn off the lights at approximately 11 p.m. It is not advantageous, and actually may be less effective, to leave the lights on 24 hours per day.
- Timing and Consistency: Consistency is key. Start placing mares under lightsby December 1st to ensure they begin cycling by February or March, giving you astrong start to the breeding season. Using an automatic timer can help maintain a consistent light schedule, turning lights on early in the morning or extending light in the evening to mimic spring daylight hours.
- Light Intensity: The light should be bright enough to read by (approximately 10 foot-candles or 100 lux). This level of illumination signals to the mare’s reproductive system that the days are lengthening, encouraging her to begin cycling earlier than she would naturally. A 100-200 W incandescent bulb or a fluorescent light in a 12-foot by 12-foot stall should be sufficient.
Starting light therapy on December 1st allows mares to naturally transition their bodies toward the breeding season, increasing the likelihood of a successful first heat cycle and supporting overall reproductive health.
EquiLume Blue Light Masks have become a game-changer in mare management, particularly during breeding season at Valley Equine. By providing mares with optimal blue light exposure, these masks help regulate their circadian rhythms, mimicking theeffects of longer daylight hours. This can stimulate earlier reproductive cycles and improve fertility rates, ensuring mares are in peak condition for breeding season. The use of EquiLume masks demonstrates a commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance reproductive efficiency and support healthy, timely breeding cycles for mares in our work here at Valley Equine.
Evaluate Mare Reproductive Health
Health assessments are essential for planning a successful breeding season. Scheduling a thorough veterinary examination well in advance allows time to address any health concerns that might interfere with reproductive performance. It is important to ensure mares are in good physical condition, as this impacts fertility. A pre-breeding checkup should include an ultrasound to check reproductive structures and identify any issues that could affect conception.
- Core Vaccines: Ensure that your mare is up to date on core vaccines, which commonly include tetanus, Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, and rabies. These vaccines are essential for the general health and safety of breeding animals.
- Reproductive-Specific Vaccines: Consult with your veterinarian about specific vaccines that support reproductive health. For example, vaccinating against Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), which can cause abortion in pregnant mares, is often recommended as part of a pre-breeding health plan.
- Timing for Vaccinations: Ideally, administer pre-breeding vaccines at least 4–6 weeks before breeding to allow the immune system to respond fully. This timing also helps avoid any potential stress that may impact fertility during the actual breeding period.
- Additional Preventative Care: Discuss additional preventative measures, such as deworming or booster shots, with your veterinarian. These steps help maintain a high level of health and fertility, creating the best possible environment for conception.
Proper Paperwork and Planning
A well-organized breeding season includes having all necessary paperwork, contracts,and logistics in place well before the first mare is ready to breed. Managing these details early helps prevent delays, confusion, and last-minute issues that can disrupt the breeding process. Here’s a checklist of key paperwork and planning steps to set you up for success:
- Contracts and Agreements: Make sure breeding contracts are reviewed, signed, and returned to the stallion owner or breeding facility well in advance. These agreements outline crucial terms, including breeding fees, shipment details, and health requirements, and having them completed avoids last-minute delays.
- Semen Shipment Requests: If using shipped semen, coordinate with the stallion’s facility to understand their shipping policies and schedules. Confirm shipment dates and logistics well ahead of time, especially if using fresh or cooled semen, which may have specific handling and timing requirements.
- Health and Vaccination Records: Many breeding programs require up-to-date health and vaccination records for both mares and stallions. Verify that all records are current and that vaccinations have been administered within the required time frames.
- Embryo Transfer Permits and Certifications (if applicable): If you are planning on using embryo transfer, confirm that all necessary permits and certifications are in place. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has instated a set of rules for mares and foals involved in embryo transfer. View those rules and regulations here: www.aqha.com/-/embryo-transfer-enrollment
- Cycle Tracking: Understanding a mare’s heat cycle can help time breeding accurately and improve the likelihood of conception.
- Review the Stallion’s Collection Schedule: Check the stallion’s collection days and schedule your mare’s breeding timeline accordingly. Knowing when collections are available helps you align semen shipments with your mare’s ovulation, maximizing the chances of a successful breeding.
Fine-Tune Nutrition and Conditioning
Tailoring nutrition plans to meet the specific needs of breeding animals can improve the chances of conception and support overall well-being during the season.
- Body Condition Score (BCS): Maintaining a healthy BCS for mares is crucial. Underweight or overweight animals may face more fertility challenges, so it’swise to adjust feeding regimens if needed well before the breeding season begins.
- Exercise and Conditioning: Physical conditioning enhances overall fitness, which is beneficial for breeding performance. Regular exercise helps with weight management, muscle tone, and overall reproductive health.
Plan for Embryo Transfer and Recipient Mares
If you plan on using techniques like embryo transfer (ET) begin preparation well in advance. For embryo transfers, recipient mares need to be synchronized with the donor mare’s cycle, which can take time and requires careful management. Learn more about the Valley Equine Recipient Mare Division here.
The groundwork for a successful breeding season is laid in these pre-breeding season preparations. By taking a proactive approach and focusing on the health, nutrition, facility readiness, and strategic planning, you set yourself up for a breeding season that runs smoothly and delivers on your goals. With each season comes new challenges and opportunities, but with proper preparation, you can maximize the potential for success. After all, a successful breeding season doesn’t just happen by chance, it’s a product of thoughtful preparation and dedicated care.
