In Practice 26: 78-85 (2004)
© 2004 British Veterinary Association

Pre-breeding checks for mares

¹ Yorkshire.

EVALUATION of the reproductive system in a mare should assess whether she has the potential to become pregnant and carry a foal successfully through to term. While unforeseen problems can always occur, there are a group of procedures, collectively known as a ‘pre-breeding check’, that can help to decide whether or not a mare is suitable for breeding. The suitability for breeding does not refer to the quality of the mare or her temperament; rather it is an assessment of the genital health of that particular animal. This article describes a clinical protocol for the investigation of the reproductive system of a mare prior to breeding that can readily be performed by a veterinary surgeon under normal conditions. The results of such an examination should be recorded in a systematic and accurate manner.