VS Equine are now taking bookings for the 2022 reproduction season.
VS Equine are now taking bookings for the 2022 reproduction season. We encourage breeders to get in touch early as the earlier we begin, the better opportunity we have to get your mare in foal.
We have veterinarians with specific training in equine breeding and ultrasonography who can provide all of your reproduction services for the season.
- Pre-breeding scans to predict timing of ovulation and suitability of breeding
- Artificial insemination with fresh, chilled or frozen semen
- Post insemination care (checking for ovulation, infection control, and prepping the uterus to carry a healthy pregnancy.
- Pregnancy confirmation at 16 days, and foetal viability 28 days and 45 days if required.
- pregnancy vaccinations to reduce chances of pregnancy loss
- Problem mare investigations including sampling for infections and treating problem breeders.
Did you know that 47% of mares in Waikato studs do not get pregnant to the first cycle?
It is always a good idea to plan for two cycles with fresh or chilled semen (and 3 cycles when using frozen semen).
You will need to discuss the logistics of artificial insemination programme with your preferred vet. There are structured programmes in place to help with the timing, and deciding on facilities which are fit for purpose.
To give you an idea of what is involved
- Find out when your mare is in season (In Hawke’s Bay mares usually cycle best from early October). If you can’t tell when your mare is in season a vet can use hormonal drugs to help bring them on.
- Book a pre breeding scan. Your vet will complete a physical examination, rectal ultrasound scan, and assess the mares uterus and ovaries to determine if the mare is f in breeding condition.
- If this examination and her pre breeding scan doesn’t pick up any abnormalities that need treatment or show this mare may not be suitable (cysts, infection, fluid etc) your vet will book repeat scans every day or two until she reaches a point in her cycle with good uterine oedema and suitably sized follicle (eggs).
- When the mare reaches this criteria, a drug will be administered to help time her ovulation and fresh/chilled semen will be ordered (frozen semen would already be stored in your bank ready for the optimal time for insemination).
*If you have chosen to use frozen semen, you have a very narrow window for insemination (which can be midnight or other ungodly hours). Your vet will make a plan with you and ensure you factor facilities, extra mileage and costs that this may entail in to your equation.
Before you start the process here a few things you need to plan.
- First of all, you will want to know your mares reproduction history before you get started. Has she had issues with breeding or pregnancy before?
- Do you know the stallion you want to breed to?
- Will you be preparing for natural mating, or chilled, fresh or frozen AI?
- Book a vet visit for a preliminary examination to establish suitability for breeding and to address any underlying health issues.
If you are interested in breeding from your mare this season please get in touch early so that we can help you make a plan.
