Study: Winter Foals Smaller Than Spring, Summer Foals

There was no difference in birth weight, but placenta weight was lower and size was smaller in winter-foaling mares.
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Study: Winter Foals Smaller Than Spring, Summer Foals
Foals born early in the year are smaller than herdmates born at a later time, and these differences persist to at least 12 weeks after birth. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Season determines behavior, metabolism, and reproductive activity in many animal species, including horses. Even in domesticated horses, metabolic activity is reduced in winter.

Although researchers have known about these seasonal effects for several years, the effects on pregnant mares and their foals hadn’t been investigated. But researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna, in Austria, have now demonstrated that seasonal changes during the winter have a strong influence on pregnancy and fetal development. They learned that foals born early in the year are smaller than herdmates born at a later time, and these differences persist to at least 12 weeks after birth.

The last weeks of pregnancy correspond to a time of rapid fetal growth—this is a key phase in foal development.

“When a foal is born in winter, it is, thus, likely that the seasonal reduction in energy metabolism affects the fetus,“ explained principal investigator Christine Aurich, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECAR

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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