Comparative analysis of breeding patterns and reproductive efficiency of mares in subtropical conditions of Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aim The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the overall and breed‐specific seasonal breeding patterns, fertility rates, cyclicity, and follicular dynamics of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of climatic data and breeding records of eleven breeding studs spanning four years (2020–2023) was made to find out the overall seasonality in the breeding pattern of mares. Fifty mares of each breed (n = 150 in total) were scanned by ultrasonography for a calendar year to find the cyclicity pattern and follicular dynamics (follicular growth rate, size of ovulatory follicle, and days from estrus till ovulation). Results and Discussion The statistical analysis of breeding records demonstrated a clear pattern of seasonal breeding (p 0.05). Thoroughbred mares experienced significant seasonal declines from spring to winter with a peak conception rate in winter (63.89% ± 27.37, p > 0.05). Percherons showed the most pronounced seasonal effects, especially with a high fall conception rate (73.04% ± 19.61) and a sharp decrease in winter breeding metrics (p< 0.05). Furthermore, Thoroughbred and Percheron mares displayed the most pronounced seasonal effects on the percentage of cyclic mares 77.3% and 56% in winters (p< 0.05). Moreover, the follicular dynamics of the three breeds also exhibited significant differences (p< 0.05). Conclusion The current study concludes that seasonal and breed‐specific variability exists among the reproductive parameters of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares in subtropics, necessitating breed‐specific reproductive management measures to maximize mare breeding efficiency.

Keywords

• equine reproduction
• fertility in mares
• follicular dynamics
• mares in subtropical climates
• oestrus cycle in mares
• seasonal breeding