Horse Breeding Articles
Tips and best practices for horse breeding, stallion selection, and reproductive management.
Spring Transition in Mares: Achieve Earlier Conception
The vernal transition is the period when mares shift from winter anestrus to regular ovulatory cycles — and managing it correctly can mean the difference between a February breeding and a May breeding. With the right photoperiod protocol, hormonal tools, and body condition management, breeders can reliably advance first ovulation by 60–90 days.
Pre-Breeding Mare Evaluation: Ultrasound, Culture & Cytology
A thorough pre-breeding reproductive evaluation—including uterine ultrasound, culture, and cytology—is the single most effective step to maximize conception rates in your mares. Understanding what each test reveals helps breeders make informed decisions before covering or inseminating.
Equine Embryo Transfer: Costs, Success Rates & Candidate Selection
Equine embryo transfer allows high-value mares to produce multiple foals per year while continuing competition. Understanding donor selection, collection protocols, and realistic success rates is essential before committing to this advanced reproductive technology.
Mare Body Condition Scoring Before Breeding Season
A mare's body condition score (BCS) at breeding directly affects conception rates and pregnancy outcomes. Targeting a BCS of 5–6 on the Henneke scale before the breeding season is the evidence-based standard for optimizing reproductive performance.