Breeding from your mare

For those of you who are considering breeding from your mare this spring, we are able to offer the following services:

1. Pre-breeding check - including a general health examination and ultrasound examination of the ovaries and uterus, to asses the suitability of the mare for breeding and to address any problems which may reduce her fertility. A swab would also  be taken at this stage to check that she is not a carrier of venereal disease (which is usually treatable).
2. AI (artificial insemination) of chilled semen - this usually involves at least two (and sometimes several) ultrasound examinations of the ovaries & uterus to asses the correct  timing for insemination. Semen can be ordered from anywhere within the UK and is delivered by courier, before being inseminated by ourselves.
3. Semen collection for use in a chilled semen programme.
4. Pregnancy diagnosis - by ultrasound scan from 15 days. Two separate scans  before 30 days are advisable to give the maximum chance of detecting twin pregnancies, which usually result in the loss of both foals and sometimes the mare. Blood tests and urinary tests are also available for pregnancy diagnosis, should scanning  not to be practical.
5. Infertility checks - the average conception rate to any one service is on average 40-70%, so many mares fail to conceive at the first attempt.  However, if the mare does not conceive after repeated attempts, further investigation can be done. This applies if AI or natural (field or hand) service has taken place.
6. We now offer AI with frozen semen, which widens the choice of stallions available considerably, especially to those stallions standing overseas.

All mares are individuals and have breeding potentials and management requirements which vary widely. Getting a mare pregnant, and producing a healthy foal can be a relatively simple procedure, or fairly complicated depending on the individual. The end result is usually very rewarding but success cannot be guaranteed!

If you would like any advice or information please contact
Louise Cornish at Clyde Veterinary Group, New Lanark Market, Hyndford Road Lanark
Tel: 01555 660000