ANS 3216 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Seasonal Breeder, Melatonin, Gestation
16 Jan 2016
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Document Summary
Why is it important: it is a multi-billion dollar industry each year, it is a major source of employment. Horses are unique when it comes to reproduction: seasonal breeders, evolved to have babies in the spring, in north america the breeding season runs from april until, in south america the breeding season runs from october to. Manage mares to make sure they are cycling earlier in the season: american quarter horse association, jockey club. Seasonal breeder: cycling depends on the day/night cycle. Melatonin is a hormone secreted at night that suppresses a mare"s reproductive hormones. Winter has long nights so the mare is out of season. Summer has short nights so the mare is in season. Universal birth date: man has changed the horse"s natural breeding season, desired breeding season is february through june. Gestation is 11 months: about 340 days. Vulva: should consist of two labia and a clitoris, conformation is important!
