Factors influencing the gestation length in thoroughbred mares bred during foal heat in India

Abstract

The obtained data represent the record of reproductive performance of mares in the southern part of India. Statistically, the period of breeding, age of mares, sex of the foal had no influence on gestation length in Thoroughbred mares bred during foal heat, although increased age had enhanced the gestation length by 1–4 days and mares carrying colt foals had 1–2 days longer gestation than that of filly foals. The findings of present study need to be confirmed on a large population before making their use in equine husbandry practices.

Keywords

• Foaling
• Foal heat
• Foal sex
• Gestation length
• Mare