Basics of Equine Reproduction By: Anthony Watson

Mature Animals Filly can conceive at what age?Filly can conceive at what age? Colt can produce semen that will fertilize at what age?Colt can produce semen that will fertilize at what age?

It takes two! What does it take for pregnancy to occur?What does it take for pregnancy to occur?

Pregnancy Methods Name ThreeName Three

Seasonal Breeders What season?What season? What is produced to cause seasonal breeders?What is produced to cause seasonal breeders?

Length of Gestation Avg. Days –Avg. Days – Months -Months -

Factors to Consider Before Breeding the Mare. AgeAge Body Condition (We will go over this soon)Body Condition (We will go over this soon) HealthHealth NutritionNutrition CostsCosts InfertilityInfertility

Steps to Breed the Mare The mare must be in estrus which is?The mare must be in estrus which is? What are the signs of this?What are the signs of this? After Standing Heat What happens?After Standing Heat What happens? If the mare does not conceive what will happen?If the mare does not conceive what will happen?

Estrous Cycle Mares are Seasonally PolyestrusMares are Seasonally Polyestrus Cycle divided into Diestrus & EstrusCycle divided into Diestrus & Estrus Diestrus (14-16 days)Diestrus (14-16 days) –Described as “Out of heat” –Begins 1-2 days after ovulation Estrus (4-7 days)Estrus (4-7 days) –Begins 4-6 days before ovulation and can continue 1-2 days after ovulation

Important Hormones Progesterone – Prevents other follicles from developing while unborn foal is growing. It maintains pregnancy.Progesterone – Prevents other follicles from developing while unborn foal is growing. It maintains pregnancy. Estrogen – Hormones that stimulate the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristicsEstrogen – Hormones that stimulate the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics

Important Terms Fertilization – union of sperm with egg cellFertilization – union of sperm with egg cell Fetus – unborn animal as it develops in the uterusFetus – unborn animal as it develops in the uterus Follicle- bubble-like structure on the ovary which contains an eggFollicle- bubble-like structure on the ovary which contains an egg Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH)- comes from pituitary gland and causes follicle growthFollicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH)- comes from pituitary gland and causes follicle growth

Important Terms Gestation – Length of time the fetus is in the uterusGestation – Length of time the fetus is in the uterus Hormone – a body regulating chemical secreted by a gland into the blood stream.Hormone – a body regulating chemical secreted by a gland into the blood stream. Luteinizing Hormone(LH)- come from the pituitary and regulated corpus luteum in female and testosterone in male.Luteinizing Hormone(LH)- come from the pituitary and regulated corpus luteum in female and testosterone in male. Naval Cord – Links to fetus to the placenta.Naval Cord – Links to fetus to the placenta. –2 large blood vessels. One carries wastes out and the other carries nutrients and oxygen.

Important Terms Ovary – female organ that produces eggs. (2 ovaries)Ovary – female organ that produces eggs. (2 ovaries) Oviduct – tube which carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus.Oviduct – tube which carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Ovulation – time when the follicle bursts and the egg is released.Ovulation – time when the follicle bursts and the egg is released. Ovum – scientific name for eggOvum – scientific name for egg Penis – male organ that carries sperm to femalePenis – male organ that carries sperm to female

Important Terms Pituitary – gland located at base of the brain that secretes hormones which regulate the body.Pituitary – gland located at base of the brain that secretes hormones which regulate the body. Placenta – membrane by which the fetus is attached to the uterus.Placenta – membrane by which the fetus is attached to the uterus. –Afterbirth Prolactin – hormone produced by anterior pituitary gland. It initiates lactation or in the case of nursing mothers milk.Prolactin – hormone produced by anterior pituitary gland. It initiates lactation or in the case of nursing mothers milk.

Important Terms Scrotum – Sac-like pouch that holds the testicles outside the male’s bodyScrotum – Sac-like pouch that holds the testicles outside the male’s body Semen – Sperm mixed with fluidsSemen – Sperm mixed with fluids Sex Cells – Egg and Sperm. They transmit genetic material from parents to offspringSex Cells – Egg and Sperm. They transmit genetic material from parents to offspring Sperm – male sex cells produced by testiclesSperm – male sex cells produced by testicles

Important Terms Testicles – produces sperm and testosterone.Testicles – produces sperm and testosterone. Uterus – muscular, spongy organ of the female where the unborn animal develops.Uterus – muscular, spongy organ of the female where the unborn animal develops. Vagina – the canal which leads from the uterus to outside the female. Sperm is deposited here, this is where the fetus passes through at birth.Vagina – the canal which leads from the uterus to outside the female. Sperm is deposited here, this is where the fetus passes through at birth.

Important Terms Vas Deferens – tube that carries spermVas Deferens – tube that carries sperm Urethra – carries urine from bladder and carries spermUrethra – carries urine from bladder and carries sperm