Effects of racing on equine fertility

Sairanen, Jenni; Katila, Terttu; Virtala, Anna‐Maija; Ojala, Matti

doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.02.010

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…26 So stallions' fertility did not suffer from racing during the mating year. 8 In stallions of the present investigation, cortisol levels was similar to that of normal cyclic mares but was lower than those horses used for racing and even colts, so sexual excitation in stallions had low effect on cotrisol levels compared to racing or age. In contrast, cortisol is secreted in response to sexual stimulation, exercise, and twitching but in geldings, cortisol is released in response to exercise, and twitching.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

“…On the other hand, high quality nutrition and management of racing horses may have positive effects. 8 In equine breeding, the mare is not only exposed to repeated restraint and gynaecological examinations, but also to other stressful events such as transportation to the breeding farm and loss of the normal environment and social companions; all together these events may cause increased secretion of glucocorticoids and cortisol. Exercise, 9-11 transportation, 12 pain, 13 social stress, 14 acute exercise, 15 and sexual activity 16,17 increased cortisol in horses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Stress and its effects on horses reproduction

AboEl-Maaty

2011

Vet Sci Develop

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A total of 90 mares and horses were subjected to blood sampling for determining the effect of management (farm), reproductive condition, sex, age, breed and month of the year during breeding on circulating levels of cortisol and sex hormones. Blood samples were collected from December to the following June from four farms. Blood sera underwent testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol assaying using ELISA kits. Cortisol levels were significantly low in lactating mares during their foal heat but significantly high levels were recorded in both repeat breeder mares and horses used for racing. High and significant testosterone and estradiol levels were recorded in both stallions used for breeding especially after semen collection and early pregnant mares. Similar testosterone levels were recorded in both early pregnant mares and racing horses but high levels were recorded in stallions. Estradiol was high in both early pregnant and mares with endometritis but the highest levels were observed in stallions. Horses held in private farms had high cortisol levels compared to those of governmental farms. In contrast to mares, horses had low cortisol and high estradiol levels. Cortisol levels were high from April to June (Spring and early summer) compared to its levels from December to March (Winter). Arab horses had low cortisol compared to native and imported foreign breeds. In conclusion, environmental condition, exercise, breed, management and the purpose of raising horses all are affecting its cortisol levels.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stress and its effects on horses reproduction

AboEl-Maaty

2011

Vet Sci Develop

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“…Vaccinations against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), used for suppression of oestrus, eliminate mares from breeding for many weeks (Elhay et al, 2007). Also, it is impossible for recently foaled mare to start racing again immediately, which is connected with huge stress associated with separation from foal, as well as with somatic changes in mare's musculature and racing outcome (Stout and Colenbrander, 2004;Burger et al, 2008;Sairanen et al, 2011).…”

Section: The Breeding Aspect Of Older Mares Reproductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breeding management of mares in late reproductive age considering improvement of welfare. A review

et al. 2018

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“…Within equine breeding programmes, some stallions are noncompeting or retired from competition, but the majority of sport horse stallions are expected to breed and compete concurrently, which increases their value within reproduction through sporting achievements [1][2][3]. Stallion competition performance within any discipline is considered one of the main criterion for breeding potential, with many stallions put through intensive performance testing before being accepted into stud books [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Preliminary Comparison of Semen Quality between Competing and Non-Competing Equine Stallions

Wilson¹,

Twigg-Flesner

2017

J Vet Sci Technol

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Rationale: Artificial insemination allows sport horse stallions within breeding programmes to breed and compete concurrently. The level of exercise of stallions complete during the breeding season is a controversial subject. Daily exercise at low intensities is important for the mental and reproductive well-being of the stallion, however higher intensities of exercise, as seen in competing stallions, may have detrimental effects on seminal quality. The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding into the effects of competition and discipline on equid stallion semen through analysis of seminal parameters. The identification of optimal competition management for breeding stallions may lead to increased stallion fertility and economic gain. Methods:This retrospective study evaluated the seminal data of 1130 stallion collections from two UK based stud farms between 2009 and 2015. Seminal volume, concentration and progressive motility were analysed for differences between competing and non-competing stallions, then for differences between stallion disciplines. Results:Competing stallion semen concentration and progressive motility was significantly lower than noncompeting stallions (p<0.05). Semen volume was significantly higher in competing stallions (p<0.05) than noncompeting stallions. Non-competing stallion semen count was significantly higher than that of competing stallions (p<0.05). Conclusion:The difference in semen quality between competing and non-competing stallions, as well as the difference between disciplines suggests endocrinological and physiological changes occur in relation to training intensity and competition. Further research into semen quality considering exercise and competition will allow for contextualisation as to why these differences occurred.

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Effects of racing on equine fertility

Cited by 11 publications

References 31 publications

Stress and its effects on horses reproduction

Stress and its effects on horses reproduction

Breeding management of mares in late reproductive age considering improvement of welfare. A review

A Preliminary Comparison of Semen Quality between Competing and Non-Competing Equine Stallions

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