One of the discussion points raised repeatedly at the Colloquium for Equine Reproduction Meeting 2010 was the poor regulation and provision of accurate documentation and 2 specific issues were raised:
1. Mare breeding records
Mares sent to stud are often not accompanied with detailed documentation that states previous breeding history, reproductive and health status, which may assist the stud in succesfully managing an individuals clinical programme to facilitate positive pregnancy outcome. The suggested solution was to design and promote the use of a standardised mare breeding record for use by veterinarians, whereby essential information, such as BCS, outcomes of previous coverings, double or single ovulations, extent of uterine fluid accumulation etc., can be documented. The form may travel with the mare, along with her passport, to stud where the attending manager/veterinarian can utilise the information to inform tailored and best practice. Of course, such a record could not be enforced industry-wide, however, should a record by devised, it may be disseminated to breeders and veterinarians attending the Colloquium for Equine Reproduction. Those willing to trial its use over the ensuing breeding season could be invited to a future Colloquium to present their experience of using the form. The intention would be that by reporting on the advantages (and identifying the disadvantages for improvement) in a public forum, the practice would be promoted and adopted by an increasing population of breeders and veterinarians.
Now available: Mrs Anne Brown of Gadebrook Stud, has kindly donated a breeding record that her veterinary surgeon has used to moitor her mares previously. This breeding record has been adapted and updated and is now available to download free by clicking on the following icon. Many thanks indeed Anne……….
If you use the breeding record, please do use the ‘Contact Page’ to send any feedback. Comments and suggestions always very welcome
2. Documentation accompanying semen deliveries
Accurate documentation accompanying semen deliveries was also highlighted. One delegate at the 2010 meeting described a frustrating experience when receiving frozen semen from overseas which, on arrival and subsequent laboratory examination, was deemed useless. Although the fresh semen had been examined at the source as being of suitable quality before freezing, no subsequent examination post-thaw was performed by the suppliers and no documentation accompanied the inseminate to attest to its quality. Individuals suggested that legal documentation which states that frozen semen from an individual stallion has succesfully resulted in a pregnancy and a post-thaw semen analysis would be great progress.