Conventionally, plasma or milk progesterone evaluations are used to determine the reproductive status of female animals. Collection of such samples is often associated with difficulties of animal handling and restraint. Measurable quantities of progesterone metabolites are found in feces of animals. Their concentrations are known to be well correlated to plasma progesterone levels and are, therefore, used as non-invasive samples for assessing reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. Although the analysis of fecal progesterone metabolites has been widely accepted in many laboratories, several factors are known to affect the results from this valuable analytical technique. Some of these factors include storage/transportation media for fecal samples, type of solvent that is used for extraction of progesterone metabolites from feces, and the type and sensitivity of an assaying technique employed. Although fecal progesterone metabolites analysis is associated with some difficulties, it can effectively be used to monitor reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. This review aims to highlight the usefulness of fecal progesterone metabolite analysis as a non-invasive technique in monitoring reproductive function in animals. The article mainly focuses on the many opportunities and challenges associated with this analytical technique.

Summary Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of the Arab mares in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: Managers of 26 studfarms containing 1014 Arab mares at five districts were asked to complete a questionnaire on the reproductive efficiency of their mares. Results: The mean age at first mating was 3.06 ± 0.5 years. Mares were mated equally in winter and all over the year. Natural mating was mostly used (76.9%). The means of estrus duration and estrus interval were 6.58 ± 1 days and 19.57 ± 1.8 days, respectively. The means of first service and overall pregnancy rates and the number of cycles/pregnancy were 52.71 ± 20.2%, 83.72 ± 15.0%, and 1.46 ± 0.3, respectively, with no effect of the postpartum interval, district, or season. The average pregnancy duration was 335.5 ± 10.2 days. It was shorter in mares mated by day 9 postpartum than in those mated later (p < 0.05). The ratio of stallion/mares ranged from 1:4 to 1:24, with no correlation with the pregnancy rates or the number of cycles/pregnancy. Discussion: Photoperiodic regulation and changes in the hypothalamichypophyseal axis of mares are usually associated with the seasonal reproductive activity of mares in the temperate but not in subtropical areas. Short duration of gestation for mares mated by day 9 after foaling may be related to the nutritional status of dams. Conclusion: The obtained data represent the first record of the reproductive performance of Arab mares in the KSA, which could be used to anticipate their performance under different managements. Clinical relevance: The Arab mares in the KSA are not seasonal and can reproduce efficiently all over the year. District and season did not influence the fertility.

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This report presents a case of uterine prolapse in a Thoroughbred mare. The uterine prolapse occurred after abortion of twins in the eighth month of gestation. The prolapsed uterus was bleeding and congested but not damaged. The placenta was still attached to the endometrium. Blood samples were collected for hematology and for estimation of calcium, progesterone and estrogen. The cervix and clitoris were swabbed for bacteriology. The mare showed a decrease in the number of lymphocytes. The concentrations of estrogen and progesterone seemed normal compared with mares that foaled. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated. The prolapsed uterus was washed with warm normal saline, and the retained placenta was carefully removed. An antibiotic cream was spread on the prolapsed uterus before replacing it. Two-thirds of the upper vulva was transiently sutured. Systemic antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory were administrated for 5 days. After 24 hr, the sutures were removed, and uterine lavage was performed using warmed normal saline for three days. The mare received 20 IU of oxytocin twice a day for three days to aid uterine clearance. A local antibiotic was inserted into the uterus. After treatment, the mare did not show any health disorders. She entered estrus 9 days after abortion and again 10 days later. In conclusion, twin pregnancy in a mare is considered a critical condition that necessitates specific management during early and late pregnancy. Uterine prolapse is an emergency that should be treated in a skilled manner to protect the mare and her future fertility. Calcium deficiency might predispose mares to uterine prolapse.