Horses-donkeys
I am so o o o o o
cool !
cool !
I think I LOVE YOU!!!!
How To Understand Horse Gestation and Foaling
Gestation, or term of pregnancy, in a mare is approximately 340 days
but can be anywhere from 330 to 350 days. Although the mare's age
and breeding history do play roles in determining the gestation period,
the weather at the time the mare is due to foal seems to be the biggest
factor in determining whether the foal will be born earlier or later. If the
weather is warm, gestation will be shorter and if it is cold, gestation will
be longer.
During gestation, the mare should still be ridden and kept to her usual
routine so that when it is time to foal, it will be easier on her. Most do say
not to trailer, jump, or go on hard rides once the mare is in her seventh
month because of the pressure it would create. To predict when the
mare is due to foal, simply subtract 25 days from one year from the
breeding date or suspected breeding date.
There are several signs to look for when a mare is close to foaling.
These are: ·
· 2-6 weeks before foaling - The udder distends and the milk veins
under her belly may also grow large and stand out.
· 7-10 days before foaling - The muscles in the croup area shrink
due to the relaxation
of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, the abdomen develops a point at
the lowest portion, while the vulva enlarges and relaxes. The tail and hip
muscles will drop, resulting in the tail sticking out.
· 4-6 days prior - The teats fill out and the nipples may become shiny
and tight.
· 2-4 days prior - A waxy secretion builds up on the nipples.
· 24 hours prior - The wax will drop off the nipples and milk drips
from them.
There are four stages involved when a mare is ready to foal. These are:
The first stage for the mare is preparation. She will often become
nervous, lying down and getting up frequently. Also common are tail
raising or switching, sweating, urination and mild signs of colic such as
looking at her abdomen, pawing the ground, lying down, and sweating
lightly. This stage usually lasts 2-3 hours. Once contractions begin,
either uterine or transitory, it's time to keep an eye on her. Bring her into
a safe, dry lot at the barn or into a large, roomy freshly-bedded box stall.
The foal is about to be born. The end of this phase is marked by the
expulsion of 2-5 gallons of "water" or chorioallantoic fluid. Unfortunately
this first phase begins at night so it is most commonly missed.
The second phase is activation. Uterine contractions increase and the
cervix dilates. The mare may lie down, roll, and get up repeatedly during
this phase. The feet of the foal will protrude - the bottoms of the hooves
should be facing downward, with the nose just behind them. This stage
generally takes 10-15 minutes. If problems occur, it is usually during this
phase that they are corrected.
The third stage is expulsion of the fetus, when the mare will lie down and
labor begins. This stage lasts approximately 15 minutes. After the foal is
born, the mare will general allow herself 10-15 minutes to rest and allow
the foal to get used to the surroundings. The umbilical cord may or may
not be broken yet although once the foal stands, it will break and should
be treated with iodine.
The last phase is the expulsion of the membranes. The mild colic signs
again may be seen when this is taking place and may continue for a few
hours. This phase usually occurs 15 minutes to 1 hour after birth. If this
hasn't taken place in 6-9 hours, a veterinarian should be called because
retaining the placenta can cause problems such as laminitis, metritis,
and infertility.
Leaving the mare alone to deliver is usually the best way, although some
have installed cameras in order to monitor the progress without
disturbing the mare. If you are concerned about the health and safety
of your mare, you might wish to consider this option. Foaling usually
starts in the night and is finished in the early morning hours. But do not
rush the mare - let her foal naturally and without interference. After
delivery, the foal should be nursing within 30 minute to 2 hours.
Colostrum is present in this milk and contains essential antibodies that
the new foal needs.
Required Tools:
Iodine
Caution:
If problems arise, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Tip:
Remember to let nature take it course.
Gestation, or term of pregnancy, in a mare is approximately 340 days
but can be anywhere from 330 to 350 days. Although the mare's age
and breeding history do play roles in determining the gestation period,
the weather at the time the mare is due to foal seems to be the biggest
factor in determining whether the foal will be born earlier or later. If the
weather is warm, gestation will be shorter and if it is cold, gestation will
be longer.
During gestation, the mare should still be ridden and kept to her usual
routine so that when it is time to foal, it will be easier on her. Most do say
not to trailer, jump, or go on hard rides once the mare is in her seventh
month because of the pressure it would create. To predict when the
mare is due to foal, simply subtract 25 days from one year from the
breeding date or suspected breeding date.
There are several signs to look for when a mare is close to foaling.
These are: ·
· 2-6 weeks before foaling - The udder distends and the milk veins
under her belly may also grow large and stand out.
· 7-10 days before foaling - The muscles in the croup area shrink
due to the relaxation
of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, the abdomen develops a point at
the lowest portion, while the vulva enlarges and relaxes. The tail and hip
muscles will drop, resulting in the tail sticking out.
· 4-6 days prior - The teats fill out and the nipples may become shiny
and tight.
· 2-4 days prior - A waxy secretion builds up on the nipples.
· 24 hours prior - The wax will drop off the nipples and milk drips
from them.
There are four stages involved when a mare is ready to foal. These are:
The first stage for the mare is preparation. She will often become
nervous, lying down and getting up frequently. Also common are tail
raising or switching, sweating, urination and mild signs of colic such as
looking at her abdomen, pawing the ground, lying down, and sweating
lightly. This stage usually lasts 2-3 hours. Once contractions begin,
either uterine or transitory, it's time to keep an eye on her. Bring her into
a safe, dry lot at the barn or into a large, roomy freshly-bedded box stall.
The foal is about to be born. The end of this phase is marked by the
expulsion of 2-5 gallons of "water" or chorioallantoic fluid. Unfortunately
this first phase begins at night so it is most commonly missed.
The second phase is activation. Uterine contractions increase and the
cervix dilates. The mare may lie down, roll, and get up repeatedly during
this phase. The feet of the foal will protrude - the bottoms of the hooves
should be facing downward, with the nose just behind them. This stage
generally takes 10-15 minutes. If problems occur, it is usually during this
phase that they are corrected.
The third stage is expulsion of the fetus, when the mare will lie down and
labor begins. This stage lasts approximately 15 minutes. After the foal is
born, the mare will general allow herself 10-15 minutes to rest and allow
the foal to get used to the surroundings. The umbilical cord may or may
not be broken yet although once the foal stands, it will break and should
be treated with iodine.
The last phase is the expulsion of the membranes. The mild colic signs
again may be seen when this is taking place and may continue for a few
hours. This phase usually occurs 15 minutes to 1 hour after birth. If this
hasn't taken place in 6-9 hours, a veterinarian should be called because
retaining the placenta can cause problems such as laminitis, metritis,
and infertility.
Leaving the mare alone to deliver is usually the best way, although some
have installed cameras in order to monitor the progress without
disturbing the mare. If you are concerned about the health and safety
of your mare, you might wish to consider this option. Foaling usually
starts in the night and is finished in the early morning hours. But do not
rush the mare - let her foal naturally and without interference. After
delivery, the foal should be nursing within 30 minute to 2 hours.
Colostrum is present in this milk and contains essential antibodies that
the new foal needs.
Required Tools:
Iodine
Caution:
If problems arise, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Tip:
Remember to let nature take it course.
Horse
Gestation
Foaling
Fun
riding
Recipes
Care
loving
Gestation
Foaling
Fun
riding
Recipes
Care
loving
alternatives-by-t-j.com
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |