Oxytocin And Maternal Recognition Of Pregnancy In Mares

It is well established that early conceptus loss (the embryo and its associated extra-embryonic membranes) is a major source of reproductive inefficiency in domestic animals. Early pregnancy in all mammals is characterized by a high fertilizatio

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It is well established that early conceptus loss (the embryo and its associated extra-embryonic membranes) is a major source of reproductive inefficiency in domestic animals. Early pregnancy in all mammals is characterized by a high fertilization rate followed by a high conceptus loss rate.


In horses, approximately 50% of all pregnancies are lost between fertilization and foaling. About 30% of this loss occurs during the first two weeks of gestation, and the remainder is relatively evenly distributed over the rest of gestation. The actual loss rates on any given farm will vary with such factors as mare age and breeding stallion, as well as numerous on-farm management factors.


Before we can adequately recognize pregnancies at risk of being lost, we must first further our understanding of how the conceptus interacts with the maternal environment, particularly during the first few critical weeks of gestation.


Events that occur between approximately 11 and 15 days of gestation are of critical importance for the establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy in horses. The series of events, discussed below, has been termed “Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy.” When the mare ovulates an oocyte, the cells in the wall of the follicle (the structure on the ovary that previously housed the oocyte), undergo a rapid series of change and forms a corpus luteum (CL). The CL begins secreting progesterone. The CL secretes progesterone for about 2 weeks, whether or not mating occurred and whether or not pregnancy occurred

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The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care is an equine publication providing the latest news and information on the health, care, welfare, and management of all equids.

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