How does a horse give birth? How do horses give birth and how long does pregnancy last? The mare gives birth.

Under natural conditions in nature, the process of reproduction continues from spring to autumn. Usually in a herd there is a horse, which acts as a leader, and about 12 mares, one of them is the alpha. She has the right to choose places for pasture and priority in reproduction. Today, horse breeding is a profitable business. During pregnancy, which lasts as long as 11 months, you need to carefully monitor the mare's condition, but it is equally important to provide proper care for the baby.

First, it’s worth understanding the terminology in order to know what is called what. The offspring of a horse is called foaling, and the birth is called foaling. A mare is a female; a stallion is a male horse.

Horses reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years of age

Depending on the breed, both stallions and mares reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years of age. But this does not mean that the horse is ready to bear offspring and care for them. Therefore, it is better to carry out mating when the mare reaches 3-4 years of age. A stallion can participate in mating at an earlier age.

Individuals are carefully selected for mating

When breeding horses for mating, they are carefully selected. The horse must be of the breed that they want to get. In the future, males are not used from this connection, only mares. After 8 times you can be sure that the bred breed is pure. The horse and mare must have the characteristics inherent to the breed, be healthy and beautiful.

Caring for a pregnant mare

The mare's gestation period is 340 days from the day of coverage

Tests are carried out approximately 1-2 weeks after the horse has covered the mare. During the diagnosis, the specialist will palpate the area of ​​the abdomen and uterus. The presence of a lump on the left side indicates that the horse is pregnant.

Feeding rules

To get healthy offspring, you need to properly care for your horse, monitoring its nutrition and quality of feed. The owner must minimize stress and discomfort by providing the mare with a calm living environment. An unexpected shock can trigger a miscarriage.

You should watch what a pregnant woman eats

Inadequate nutrition leads to premature birth. The body strives to quickly get rid of the fetus, on which it spends the lion's share of energy. Excessive feeding provokes obesity, which also negatively affects the horse's health.

Basic rules of care

You need to care for a mare that is bearing offspring according to the following rules:

If you suspect a deviation, you should contact a veterinarian who will conduct an examination. This is especially true for thoroughbred horses participating in competitions. A preliminary consultation will help you avoid most of the problems that occur during childbirth. Ideally, a specialist should be present when the foal is born.

The process of childbirth, possible complications

On horse farms where horses are usually bred, they noticed that most often births occur at night - between 20 pm and 7 am and very rarely at other times. The duration and success of the process depend on the size of the fetus and its position inside the mother’s body. Usually foaling lasts from 20 to 40 minutes, less often up to 2 days. It depends on the dilatation of the cervix.

Labor in a horse can last up to 2 days

Usually a horse gives birth to only one foal at a time. But if there are two cubs, then there is a risk of their death. Often the foal is born smaller, like a pony. The interval between the birth of babies is 10-20 minutes.

Foaling process

Depending on the stage of the process, the horse's behavior also changes. When the cervix dilates, the mare shows slight anxiety. The main signs of this stage, which sometimes lasts for 2 days, are:

• Raises tail;
• Rubs its tail on the stall;
• Sweats.

The next stage is the birth itself. The horse lies on its side, and strong attempts help it push the foal out. The mare behaves as follows:

• Kicks with hind legs;
• Wags its tail vigorously;
• Rolls on the mat;
• Sweats

Less commonly, a horse gives birth in a standing position:

• Often changes position - gets up and lies down;
• Shows extreme anxiety;
• Digs litter;
• Wags its tail;
• Sweats.

The most important and difficult task for the mare is to push the foal out so that the chest is exposed. The back of the body comes out much easier. Progress should be noticeable every 10 minutes. If they are absent, then you should call a veterinarian.

With the correct positioning of the foal, with its muzzle towards the exit, the horse’s birth is easier. There is no need to interfere in the process; it is enough to observe everything from the outside. If the mare kicks her legs too hard while lying down, you can hold them down a little. Only a specialist can intervene in the foaling process. This is necessary if the baby is positioned incorrectly, that is, with his back legs towards the exit, or if he is very weak. You should not pull on the foal trying to get it out. This is fraught with injury to mother and baby.

Horse care for foal

The foal is born surrounded by a white and blue bubble, which must burst on its own. If this does not happen, then you need to do it yourself. The main task is to provide the baby with access to air by clearing his nostrils of mucus.

A horse cares for a newborn foal

The horse breaks the umbilical cord itself, getting to its feet. If the birth occurs while standing, then it breaks off when the fetus falls to the ground. But if this does not happen, you need to tie it with a strong thread, placing the knot a few centimeters from the stomach and cut it with scissors, which are pre-disinfected. The umbilical cord should break no further than 8-10 cm from the abdominal wall. Otherwise, they also manipulate the bandage and cut it in the right place. The rupture site is treated with iodine.

Caring for the mare and baby after birth

Caring for the foal and its mother after birth includes the following stages:

• The foal is wiped with a dry, clean cloth to speed up drying;
• Wash the mare's hind legs, tail and udder with warm water;
• Dirty bedding is replaced with clean bedding immediately after birth and for a few more days while the mare is shedding.

If your horse's discharge continues for more than a week, then you should seek veterinary help.

If a horse gives birth for the first time, it usually needs some rest. At this time, you need to make sure that there is no second fetus and that the foal is breathing normally. If everything went well, then the horse and baby easily make contact.

Firstborn needs rest after childbirth

After the baby is out and the horse has rested, she will begin to bite and lick him. This is how the mare establishes contact with the foal and remembers its smell. Biting improves the baby's muscle activity, helping him get to his feet faster.

After 1.5 hours the foal gets to his feet

1-1.5 hours after birth, the foal usually stands on its feet. The owner checks that he does not curl his leg or limp. At the same time, the baby begins to look for the udder. Before feeding, it is worth inspecting the udder. There should be no swelling or inflammation on it.

Docking a horse after giving birth

The horse expresses milk if the foals do not exhibit a sucking reflex. Give it to babies every 1.5 hours. This colostrum contains a large amount of useful and vital substances.

Possible complications for the foal after birth

A couple of hours after birth, the foal passes meconium, the original feces. This is an important fact that helps to assess the state of his health. It happens that there is no meconium, and symptoms characteristic of colic appear. When observing a foal, you may notice that it looks worried, kicks its belly or spins around in one place. You need to call a veterinarian. You may need an enema or an injection of pain medication.

Alarming symptoms in a foal are:

• Poor appetite;
• Drowsiness;
• Lethargy;
• Behavioral disorders;
• Cough;
• Digestive disorder;
• Redness of the mucous membranes.

The listed symptoms are a reason to seek veterinary help. The baby is sick and needs emergency treatment.

Throughout the postpartum period, mother and children should be surrounded by care. The mare needs high-quality and nutritious food for better recovery. This is also important for the baby, who needs nutrients.

After birth it is necessary to pay attention to both the mare and the foal

You should not overprotect a pregnant horse, as anxiety can be transmitted to her, which will adversely affect the birth and health of the baby. The owner must be close to the animal, without interfering in the process, in order to help in time if necessary. Preventive examinations during pregnancy can help avoid surprises such as fetal malposition. It is necessary to agree in advance with the veterinarian about his presence at the birth in order to provide emergency assistance in case of possible complications in order to avoid injury. The nature of every horse is such that one can only envy its vitality and good health. This will also help her during childbirth.

Igor Nikolaev

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The period of bearing offspring and the birth itself in any domestic animal is the most crucial period for the owner. Horses are no exception in this matter. Every self-respecting horse breeder should have the necessary knowledge and skills to care for the expectant mother and the offspring she brings. Next, we will focus on the main aspects of this issue and try to figure out what needs to be done to ensure that the birth of a horse is successful.

In an ordinary healthy mare, pregnancy proceeds quite calmly and usually ends with the successful birth of a young foal.

It must be remembered that the closer the due date, the better nutrition the expectant mother should receive. The nutritional value of a horse's diet in the last three months of gestation should be 40 percent higher than usual. The frequency of feedings during this period must be increased, since it is already difficult for the horse to eat a lot of feed at once.

Pregnant horse

The diet of a pregnant and lactating mare is the topic of a separate article. Let's just say that all companies that produce food for these animals always have special types of food for pregnant and lactating mothers in their product line.

How to determine pregnancy?

External signs of pregnancy in a mare begin to appear starting from the sixth month of gestation. Before this period, pregnancy can be determined either with the help of an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) or with the help of laboratory tests performed by a veterinary specialist.

Such tests can already be done one or two weeks after the animals have mated.

One way to determine pregnancy is to palpate the abdomen in the area of ​​the uterus. If you can feel something hard on the left side of the abdominal cavity, there is a high probability that this is a future foal.

Indirect external signs of pregnancy are: an increase in the volume of food consumed, good appetite and calmer behavior (the expectant mother tries to move less and lie down more). In addition, her behavior also changes - the mare begins to actively protect her territory from strangers, tries to spend more time alone, away from the main herd.

How long does a mare bear offspring?

Pregnancy (for horse breeders - foaling) usually lasts 11 months, or more precisely 341 days.

This is an average. It may change slightly in one direction or another depending on how and what the horse is fed, what size the future foal is, and what time of year it is. Veterinary experts have noticed that the sex of the future cub also affects its gestation period: female cubs, as a rule, are born earlier than boys.

A deviation from the average pregnancy period of no more than two weeks is considered normal.

The number of foals in the uterus does not have any effect on the duration of pregnancy, and twins are born at the same time as singletons.

What is the usual litter size?

Horses usually give birth to one foal. Twins are a fairly rare occurrence for these animals, and most often one baby dies during childbirth.

It is not uncommon for both babies to die during the birth of twins. Each foal and successfully born twins are inferior in size to their counterparts born singly.

If a breeding horse of a particularly valuable breed is pregnant, and there are suspicions of deviations from the normal course of pregnancy, then in such cases the mare’s condition is constantly monitored using ultrasound and blood tests, and the birth always takes place with the participation of an experienced veterinarian.

Horse has twins

What should you do when a horse gives birth?

Like most domestic animals, a mare usually does not require direct human assistance when giving birth. Moreover, excessive attention from a person can make the female nervous.

However, if a warm and trusting relationship has been established between the owner and the animal, then his presence can help the horse calm down. If the birth process has begun (the mare lies on her side and begins to push), try not to touch her unnecessarily so that the woman in labor does not worry. Also, control yourself and don’t make noise, as these animals sense the human condition very keenly.

Preparing the room for childbirth

In order for a horse to give birth without problems, the room where it will give birth must be clean and warm. It should be closed to unauthorized people and animals and protected from sources of loud noise. Bright light disturbs the expectant mother, so in the “maternity ward” the lighting should be dim. You should also place a fresh, clean and dry straw bedding on the floor. If childbirth takes place during severe frosts, this bedding must be warmed in advance to the same temperature as inside the room. To do this, it is simply entered into it in advance.

Before giving birth, the floor and walls of the stable, as well as drinking bowls and feeders, must be thoroughly disinfected.

For this, manganese or iodine solutions are usually used. It is recommended to place a coarse cloth under the straw bedding to prevent birth discharge from saturating the floor of the room. If labor suddenly begins unexpectedly (in a pasture or in a field), there is no need to worry. The mare is perfectly capable of taking care of both her offspring and herself.

To make it more comfortable for the female to give birth, tie her tail. Usually it is folded in half and wrapped with a regular bandage.

Human assistance is usually not required during childbirth. The birth of a horse itself involves pushing a voluminous fetus towards the exit of the birth canal, located in the pelvic area. The normal weight of a healthy foal is approximately 1/15th of the mother's live weight.

The process itself usually takes about half an hour. The baby emerges from the birth canal forward with its head and front hooves, which have a special stratum corneum that protects these same canals from damage.

However, there are cases when the foal, due to its weakness, is not able to independently turn its head towards the exit in the uterus. With such malpresentation, the mare will need the help of an experienced veterinarian. A qualified specialist will help avoid injury to the baby and its mother during difficult births. If the horse suddenly gets worried and begins to twitch anxiously on the floor, you need to try to hold its legs so that it does not kick. The hardest part of giving birth for the mare is pushing the foal up to his ribcage. After this, the cub easily slips out on its own.

The mother breaks the umbilical cord herself, after which she almost immediately gets back to her feet. A newborn foal is surrounded by a bluish-white amniotic sac.

If a female gives birth for the first time, she usually needs about ten minutes to rest. The mare then begins to lick and lightly nibble her calf. This process allows the mother to remember the smell of her baby and establish the first tactile contact with him.

What to do with a newborn foal?

If the mare has successfully foaled, you should immediately make sure that the amniotic sac is discharged normally and the calf is breathing freely. If this is in order, then the female will then take care of the foal herself, without outside help.

After waiting for the baby to stand on its legs, look carefully to see if there is any lameness or any other abnormalities when walking (for example, if the foal is squeezing its legs). Below we provide temporary indicators, by reference to which you can assess whether everything is okay with the baby:

1. On average, umbilical cord rupture should occur 6.2 minutes after birth;
2. On average, the sucking reflex appears in a baby at the 36th minute;
3. after 49 minutes the baby usually gets to his feet;
4. after 94 minutes the foal begins to suckle its mother for the first time;
5. The first discharge of original feces (meconium) usually occurs at the 127th minute.

Caring for a horse's pregnancy will require responsibility from its owner and can become a significant cause for concern. It is advisable that the horse breeder have a clear understanding of how horses give birth, what assistance to provide to their wards, and also in what cases it is better not to touch a pregnant mare.

The horse owner manages the mare's pregnancy and monitors her condition and behavior.

Mares become sexually mature at about 1.5 years, but they are still not developed enough to bear full-fledged offspring and then properly care for them. The first matings should occur in a horse only at 3-4 years of age.

Horse breeders who want to provide offspring for their pet at home should allocate a period from March-April to mid-July for the horse to mate. In more severe climatic conditions, in order to avoid the occurrence of colds in the animal, the beginning and end of the period are shifted forward by two weeks.

Course of pregnancy

Insemination occurs when the horse is in heat. This moment comes once every 30 days. The first coverage occurs one day after the beginning of the period and is repeated until its end.

Usually there is no need to worry about the course of pregnancy in an adult healthy horse. The whole process goes smoothly, and at the end of it a live baby is born. With a similar result, pregnancy in horses is classified as successful.

In most cases, pregnancy in horses occurs calmly and ends with the birth of a live baby.

The pregnancy period can be divided into 3 approximately equal (110 days each) periods:

1. The egg is fertilized and the fertilized egg begins to develop.
2. The embryo develops as intensively as possible, and the silhouette of a foal becomes visible in its outline.
3. The fetus finally ripens, and gradual preparation for the moment of birth occurs.

In some cases, by the end of the first trimester, a pregnant mare may begin to show heat. Before deciding that the pregnancy was imaginary and introducing a horse to a new partner, you need to call a veterinarian who will clarify the pet’s condition.

Caring for a horse during pregnancy

It is necessary to clearly monitor the horse's diet so that the foal does not turn out to be premature. Three months before birth, the total nutritional value of the food provided increases by 40% compared to the first months. The size of portions decreases, and the number of meals, on the contrary, increases, since the mare cannot eat large portions.

The company that produces horse feed always provides a variety of nutritional mixtures that can satisfy the hunger of pregnant mares.

There are a number of instructions that must be followed while the mare is in position.

• In the fourth week of pregnancy, you should no longer overload the horse and it is better to refrain from using it in adverse weather conditions.
• You must not shout or even raise your voice at a pregnant mare; you must not hit her, push her, or make any sudden movements in her presence (this also applies to the normal process of interacting with a horse, but it is especially important during pregnancy).
• It is forbidden to feed the animal with caked, moldy, frozen, musty feed, or straw covered with fungus or rust.
• The place where the mare is kept should be very warm, without the slightest hint of a draft and with dry and soft bedding. Even if pasture housing is used, the pregnant horse should spend the dark time of the day in the stall.
• A pregnant mare should not go to outdoor ponds if there is ice outside.
• It is forbidden to give the mare cold water, as this may cause her to abort.
• Instead of regular work, provide the horse with the opportunity for light daily walks (this is the prevention of edema).

A pregnant mare needs a clean, dry environment.

Main symptoms of pregnancy

The visually “interesting” position of the animal becomes obvious only six months after conception. At earlier stages it is necessary to use the capabilities of ultrasound examination. You can also rely on the results of tests performed by a veterinarian.

The first samples for analysis can be taken 7–14 days after mating (coitus with the stallion). As an alternative option for diagnosing pregnancy, the method of palpation (palpation) of the uterine area and abdomen can be used. An indicator that the mare is carrying a fetus is the presence of a left-sided lump, which is the developing fetus.

Associated symptoms:

• sleep can last much longer;
• in the later stages, even during wakefulness, a lot of time is spent lying down;
• appetite becomes slightly higher;
• “sexual desire” (interest in the opposite sex) disappears;
• a pregnant horse tries to defend its territory;
• there is a desire for solitude, separation from other individuals;
• a couple of weeks before giving birth, the udder noticeably enlarges.

A foaling horse seeks to defend its territory.

Length of pregnancy

A horse's pregnancy lasts 341 days (up to 11 months). In a normal course, pregnancy (another name for pregnancy in horses) will take exactly this period of time. A certain season, stage of development, size of the embryo, food used - all this can slightly increase or shorten the duration of fetal ripening (up to two weeks in one direction or the other). Typically fillies are born a little earlier than stallions. When carrying twins, the process lasts no longer than with one baby.

If a horse is carrying a foal for the first time, it will certainly turn out to be premature or post-term.

Size of litter per foal

A foal is the offspring given by a mare. The number of cubs in one litter usually does not exceed one. If there are two of them, then one of the foals may be stillborn, or both babies turn out to be smaller than they would have been if they had been born one at a time.

A mare's foal usually consists of one foal.

Correct birth delivery

On the eve of giving birth, the mare's behavior changes dramatically. She may refuse food, a certain anxiety is felt in her actions (constantly changes position, rushes from the herd to solitude in the stall and vice versa).

External signs of this condition include:

• swollen udder;
• drops of milk appearing on the nipples;
• mucus on the external genitalia;
• swelling in the labia area;
• expanded pelvis.

Regardless of how long a horse's pregnancy lasts, it is desirable to minimize the need for outside participation in the birth process. But here everything may depend on how well the contact is established between the person and the pet. It is quite possible that the presence of a well-known groom will have a very favorable effect.

During the onset of labor, the horse is placed on its side and begins to push. At this moment it is better not to disturb her again. Try to be as calm as possible (your feelings will easily be conveyed to the animal, and this is completely useless) and make as little noise as possible.

There is a need to reduce human intervention during childbirth. It is better not to disturb the mare, not to make noise.

Organization of necessary conditions

In order for the mare to give birth safely, care should be taken to ensure that she is in a warm room without drafts. Also, at the time of resolution of pregnancy, no strangers or animals should be near the horse. Lighting needs to be moderate (not too bright). It is advisable to cover the floor with dry straw bedding at room temperature.

Pre-disinfect the walls, floors and feeders with drinkers. For these purposes, a solution of iodine or potassium permanganate can be used. There should be a coarse cloth on the floor under the straw, which will absorb birth secretions.

The end of pregnancy is usually known a day or two before it happens, by the swollen mammary glands of the mare. Childbirth can take place not in a stable, but in “field conditions”. There is no need to worry too much in such a situation: such an environment is natural for the horse, so it will be able to take care of both itself and the newborn.

Before the foal begins to be born, do not forget to tie the mare's tail (this makes labor easier). To do this, fold it in half and wrap it with a bandage.

Just before the start of labor, it is necessary to tie the mare's tail. This will make the process easier.

Moment of birth: what help may be needed

During labor, a horse gives birth to a foal by pushing it outward from the pelvic area. The weight of the baby does not exceed 1/15 of the weight of the mare that gave birth to it. The entire act of birth should normally not take more than half an hour. The baby is born with its muzzle and hooves forward. In this case, the hooves have the shape of a hoof horn, which allows not to injure the mother’s birth canal. Weak foals are usually unable to assume the required position; accordingly, the birth can be delayed or end in injury (this applies equally to both an adult animal and a calf). For this reason, it is better not to try to help the horse produce a foal on your own, but to call a veterinarian.

If the horse shows signs of anxiety, you should try to fix its position by holding its legs so that it does not kick. The most difficult thing for a horse is to push the foal to the middle of the chest. When this milestone is overcome, then the fruit continues its movement very easily.

The mother horse copes with the rupture of the umbilical cord on her own and gets back to her feet almost immediately, but if the horse has given birth for the first time, it may take up to 10 additional minutes to rest. In the first seconds, the foal is inside a white-blue amniotic sac, which should rupture spontaneously (otherwise you will have to help him). Having rested, the mare begins to lick the foal, lightly biting it at the same time in order to get acquainted with the smell of the newborn, ensure the establishment of tactile contact and provoke physical activity in the baby.

If, after the horse is on its feet, the umbilical cord remains intact, it is necessary to tie it with a strong thread 2-3 centimeters from the abdomen, cut off the excess with sterile scissors and disinfect it with a 5% iodine solution.

When the condition of the foal and mother has stabilized, the first should be thoroughly wiped, and the second should be washed with warm water.

The mare independently gnaws the umbilical cord, cleans and licks the foal.

After the foal is born

First of all, you need to make sure that the amniotic sac is no longer present and that the foal’s breathing is even and stable. If no problems arise, then horses and foals make contact without outside help. When the foal is already on its feet, you should monitor whether it has lameness or whether it tries to tuck its leg.

The newborn should have a good sucking reflex, so sucking milk through the udder will not cause difficulties. Otherwise, the mare needs to be milked and the foal fed with the resulting milk once every hour and a half. Before allowing the baby to approach its mother, the udder should be examined for possible inflammation and swelling. The afterbirth should be removed as quickly as possible, since it only gets in the way.

Over the course of 8-9 days (that is, until the end of postpartum discharge), the bedding in the room where the mother and baby are located should be replaced daily. All this time, it is necessary to provide the mare with especially high-quality and nutritious food, since she is weakened by childbirth, and also feeds the foal.

After giving birth, the mare should be well fed to help her recover faster after giving birth.

Conclusion

If a horse becomes pregnant, you should not overprotect it and worry. Experiences can easily be transferred to the animal and, possibly, interfere with the normal course of pregnancy.

There is no need to move away either, it is better to stay nearby all the time, but at a distance, then you will not “put pressure” on the horse and will be able to help it in time if necessary.

You should agree in advance (before the onset of labor) with the veterinarian about his readiness to be present and provide first aid in case of injury. And, of course, during pregnancy, provide the expectant mother with a preventive examination.

Every self-respecting horseman should know how a foal is born. And if you are still planning to breed, then the basics, as well as videos and pictures of how a horse gives birth, will be useful. So, how long a horse carries a foal, how to determine its “special” position and all the features of a foal, we will consider in our review.

Of course, the first and very important question that interests all new horse riders is how long pregnancy lasts in horses. Pregnancy lasts about 335-340 days with normal deviations from 310 to 360 days. The duration of pregnancy depends on the breed, as well as its individual characteristics. But how do you know the exact date of birth of the foal?

Of course, for this you need to know exactly the time of the last one and recognize her pregnancy as early as possible. If pregnancy occurred during the last mating, then after 7-10 days the veterinarian can determine the mare’s pregnancy in 80% of cases. This is done by analyzing vaginal mucus and examining the cervix. Professor V. Tsondakom also discovered a method for detecting pregnancy in mares by analyzing urine for the content of the hormone folliculin. From the 1.5-month period, pregnancy up to 100% can be determined by an experienced veterinarian through a rectal examination.

As for other visual methods of determining pregnancy, these include the absence of sexual heat, aggression towards a test stallion, rounding of the abdominal shape at 3-4 months of pregnancy. During this period, some specialists can feel the fetus with their hand as it ages. In the second half of pregnancy, the rounded and drooping belly becomes clearly noticeable. Also, the amount of manure in mares increases, the hair structure improves, they become rounder and become calmer.

It is important to remember that of all farm animals, horses are the most prone to spontaneous abortion. Especially in the first three months - it is designed by nature so that offspring do not appear during a difficult period in the mare’s life. At the same time, they can “throw off” or abort the fetus completely unnoticed; most often it simply dissolves. Therefore, it is very important to protect the pregnant mare from all kinds of shocks and re-check pregnancy after 3-4 months, do an ultrasound and physical examination.

When preparing a horse for foaling 6 months before the expected birth, it is necessary to free it from hard work, and 2 months before - from any work at all. During this period, mares are provided with enhanced nutrition and care, provided with warm and dry premises, and organized daily exercise in good weather.

For more information on how to determine the pregnancy of mares, watch the video from Diana Galunova’s channel.

Childbirth

The pregnancy is going well, which means you should expect the offspring within the prescribed period. 5 days before the expected birth, mares usually show the first signs of their approach. These are mucus discharge, vaginal swelling, and the release of a wax-like substance from the nipples. At this time, it is important to move the horse to a whelping stall with plenty of bedding.

However, births often occur unexpectedly, for example, right in the paddock or on the levada. There is nothing wrong with this and there is no need to force the animal into the room. At this time, it is better not to disturb the expectant mother, observe the process, but not occupy or distract the animal in any way.

On the day of birth, mares often become more restless; they may become hungry, move away from the herd in the levada, anxiously walk from corner to corner in the stall, and sweat profusely. There is no need to be scared, and there is also no need to check every five minutes to see if it has started. If it is possible to install a video camera, it is better to use external surveillance. This will make it easier and calmer for the animal, as they often delay childbirth if there is an unwanted presence nearby.

When the first contractions occur, the horse lies down and takes a comfortable position, the cervix opens and the contractions intensify. When a horse gives birth, its waters first break, which surrounds the fetus, then the foal's front legs, head and shoulders emerge. Making intense attempts, the mare tries to push the fetus out each time, so the second part of the foal’s body usually comes out quickly. Some time after the foal is born, the placenta (afterbirth) comes out. Horses usually give birth to one and rarely two foals, the second one 10-20 minutes after the first.

It is necessary to carefully ensure that the afterbirth comes out on time. As a rule, no later than 2 hours after birth. If the placenta does not come out or comes out partially, you need to call a veterinarian, as this threatens sepsis. In nature, a mare often eats the afterbirth, but at home this can lead to digestive problems.

The born foal quickly gets on its feet and must suckle its mother’s milk for the first time no later than 2 hours after birth. Vaginal discharge for another 1-2 days after birth is considered normal, but it is important to monitor the mare, monitor her temperature and general condition. For another 15 days she should not be overloaded with work, but only be provided with quiet exercise.

A horse is not only a pet, but also a close friend for every horse breeder. That is why you should take care during such a difficult period as your pet’s pregnancy. If you decide to breed horses, you need to know how to correctly determine the pregnancy of an animal, how to care for the expectant mother and how horses give birth.

Mares reach sexual maturity at approximately 16-18 months (the exact time depends on the breed). But young horses sent for mating do not carry their young well enough, which lag behind in development after birth. Experienced horse breeders recommend breeding an animal no earlier than three years of age. Only then is the pet able to endure pregnancy without complications and please its owner with healthy and strong offspring.

Mare and horse

The heat period begins every 30 days, and it is at this time that fertilization should occur. The horse's genitals swell, white discharge appears, appetite worsens, the female reacts positively to the male and allows him to approach her. Mating takes place the next day after the start of estrus and is repeated throughout the entire hunting period. There are several effective methods of mating: manual, cooking and shoaling.

Name	Type of land	Description
Manual	Small and medium farms	In the paddock, place the mare on an inclined surface. Remove the horseshoes from the hooves and tie the tail. Lead the stallion on the guy wires threaded into the halter, with which you guide the male.
Varkovy	Herd-type farms	Select a group of mares and one stallion, then place them in one pen for the mating period. After a few days, release the animals back.
Kosyachny	Any farm	Divide the mares into several groups, allow a stallion to approach each of them during the hunt and let him choose for himself which horse to cover.

Features of horse pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special process in the life of a mare. Every farmer who decides to breed horses should be aware of possible factors that can cause abortion. To avoid miscarriage, you must:

• avoid meager feeding, remove low-quality food from the diet;
• do not expose your pet to sudden shocks, blows, or falls;
• refrain from sharp blows with a whip and other actions that cause stress;
• refuse to ride fast and transport the horse over long distances;
• do not overload the horse with hard work;
• do not expose the horse to hypothermia, do not take it out to pasture during frosts or in cold, wet weather.

The note! The stallion for mating should be chosen to be strong and hardy. The better the characteristics of the male, the higher the likelihood of having good offspring.

Length of pregnancy

It is necessary to start counting the gestational age from the last mating, this is due to the fact that several matings usually occur during hunting. An adult, sexually mature horse carries a fetus for approximately 335 days (11 months), but if the mare is pregnant for the first time, the period may be extended.

Horse pregnancy duration is 11 months

Animals carry stallions for several days longer. The specific number of days before foaling is determined by many circumstances, ranging from housing conditions to the breed and age of the mare. Fluctuations from 310 to 370 days are considered normal.

Number of foals

Most often, a horse gives birth to one baby, but it happens that twins are born. Often one or both individuals do not survive - such a pregnancy is difficult, and the presence of a veterinarian during childbirth is necessary.

With proper development of the fetus and caring care, as well as regular diagnosis of the condition of the expectant mother, the birth of healthy and strong babies can be achieved. A normal foal weight is one-fifteenth the mare's weight, but if two foals are born they will weigh slightly less.

Mare with foals

The note! Valuable thoroughbred horses with complications need constant monitoring; they are regularly sent for tests and ultrasound examinations. The birth of such mares occurs only under the supervision of a specialist.

Anatomy and physiology

Under hormonal influence, the body and character of a pregnant female change, which is due to a significant restructuring of all body systems. The heart works harder, blood volume increases, and the load on the kidneys and liver increases. The animal shows calmness and is careful when moving. Appetite increases, food processing improves, making the mare more well-fed. The weight of the animal's uterus increases 5-20 times when compared with the normal state. In the second period of pregnancy, the abdomen increases in volume.

Methods for determining whether a mare is pregnant

At home, you can determine the pregnancy of a female by her behavior. Two weeks after the last mating, bring the mare to the male. If she ignores his attention and does not allow the stallion to approach her, most likely she should expect offspring soon. Watch for signs of estrus: if there is no heat after mating, conception was successful.

Also, a mare’s pregnancy can be determined in the following ways:

1. Palpation. Produced by a veterinarian. The specialist inserts his hand into the animal’s anus and palpates the uterus, which changes tone and shape during pregnancy.
2. Ultrasound. This is done 55-70 days after mating. It is carried out using a special device that creates an image of the uterus using sound waves.
3. Blood analysis. Hormone levels in a pregnant animal change. The blood sample is sent to the laboratory, where the test is performed.
4. Analysis of urine. A test to determine the position of the female can be purchased at a pet store, which is effective 110-300 days after fertilization.

The note! Nervous individuals and animals that are pregnant for the first time often behave aggressively towards the owner: they can hit with their hoofs or press them against the wall of the pen. Be attentive and careful when interacting with a horse.

During this period, the horse especially needs the care of its owner - you need to properly prepare it for a comfortable birth. First, place the animal in a large and spacious pen, equipped with a stall and fencing. Walk your mare periodically while reducing her workload. It is not recommended to stop training; continue to ride your horse, do simple exercises that will not harm the expectant mother. Also give your mare the injections prescribed by your veterinarian to pass on an excellent immune system to the baby.

When there are 30 days left before giving birth, move the mare to a smaller room. It should be quiet, calm, without other animals. The pen should also be large enough for the mare to lie down freely. It is necessary to get rid of drafts and place warm and soft bedding in the pen. If the mare is kept on pasture, be sure to put her in her stall at night. When there are 15 days left before giving birth, completely remove the mare from all work, leaving only daily walks.

Feeding during pregnancy

The pet's diet must be balanced. The main thing is to provide the animal with nutrients (proteins, minerals, vitamins). Food must be of high quality and not spoiled - do not give rotten, moldy or frozen food.

If the animal is kept in a stall, provide it with high-quality hay, as well as concentrated feed, silage and root vegetables. Be sure to provide constant access to clean drinking water and place a salt lick next to the feeder.

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Feed your horse five to six times daily in portions that he will eat completely. Include apples and carrots in your diet, as well as vitamin-rich herbal meal.

1. In summer, it is recommended to keep the animal on pasture - the sun and fresh grass have a beneficial effect on the body of the expectant mother. Choose a lawn that is well-grassed and has a water source. There should be no holes or snags in the pasture.
2. In autumn, the time spent on pasture is reduced, the diet is increased to avoid starvation and loss of fatness.
3. In winter, include in your diet foods that are rich in vitamins (silage, green fodder), add red fat, chalk and bone meal.

The note! A mare 150 centimeters tall at the withers needs seven kilograms of feed every day. It should contain vitamins, proteins, proteins and other useful elements.

Helping a mare to give birth normally

The onset of labor can be determined by the behavioral characteristics of the mare. If she stops eating, behaves anxiously and nervously, sweats and strains, it means that she will soon bear offspring. The mare's udder swells, drops of milk appear from the nipples, swelling appears on the labia, and the depression between the beginning of the tail and the ischial tuberosity expands.

If an animal is among a herd, it tries to leave it, and if in a separate room, on the contrary, it strives to join society. All this is a signal to action - it’s time to prepare for childbirth.

Preparation for the process

Do not panic during childbirth - all your movements should be calm and calculated. It is best to prepare the room in advance for the appearance of offspring. If you are not experienced enough to give birth, contact your veterinarian. By watching him work, next time you will be able to control the process yourself.

Step 1. Clean the room where the birth will take place in advance. Disinfect equipment with iodine solution. Remember: the pen must be kept dry and warm.

Step 2. Make sure that nothing interferes with the birth process. Remove unnecessary items and provide your pet with privacy.

Step 3. Place dry and clean straw on the floor. If the weather outside is cold, take care of the bedding in advance. Place a clean, coarse cloth under the woman in labor so as not to stain the floor.

Step 4. Dim the lights. If the lighting is bright, it will irritate and disturb the animal.

Step 5. Tie the female's tail by carefully folding it and tying it with a bandage. Experienced horse breeders recommend doing this to facilitate childbirth.

The note! Do not interfere with the birth process. If everything goes well, do not make noise or other extraneous sounds, do not distract the pet, but simply watch it. You should intervene when something goes wrong.

How to deliver a horse?

When a mare gives birth, she lies on her side and makes strong efforts, pushing the calf towards the exit. The mare may flick her tail violently, move around the floor, sweat, and jerk her hind legs. Some mares give birth to a foal while standing, then they often change position and become very restless. When the animal pushes the baby up to the chest, the process goes much faster and easier.

Step 1. If the cub is in the correct position (belly down, muzzle and front hooves towards the exit), do nothing, just watch the process. If the mare kicks violently, hold her legs, but do this carefully so as not to frighten the animal.

Step 2. The baby appears in a blue-whitish amniotic sac, which ruptures on its own. If the bubble hangs from the birth opening and you can feel the fetal limbs in it, help rupture the membrane, then free the foal's nostrils from mucus.

Step 3. After about six minutes, the new mother will stand up, breaking the umbilical cord (or it will break if the baby falls from a standing horse). If this does not happen or the umbilical cord breaks further than ten centimeters from the belly, tie it with strong threads (two to three centimeters from the abdomen), cut it with pre-disinfected scissors and treat it with a 5% iodine solution.

Postpartum period

When the birth is over, gently dry the baby with a clean sheet to speed up drying. Wash the mother's hind legs, udder and tail with warm water, and replace the dirty bedding with a new one. Change the bedding daily for a week - during this time the mare will have discharge. After about ten minutes, the horse will move away from the birth and begin to lick and lightly bite the baby, this is necessary to establish contact. When the foal gets up (no later than 2.5 hours after foaling), check whether he walks confidently and does not curl his legs.

After an hour, the animal will release an afterbirth, which is immediately taken out of the pen. If two hours have passed and this has not happened, you should urgently contact a specialist.

Soon after birth, the foal will begin to look for the udder. If his attempts fail, help the baby and bring him to the mare. If there is no sucking reflex, milk the animal and feed the baby milk every hour and a half. You should also feed the mare - after giving birth, offer her water, and after five to six hours, feed her with a nutritious mixture of bran and high-quality hay.

The note! After three to four days, the horse and calf can be released for a walk. Provide the family with high-quality nutrition, make sure that the horse’s udder does not become inflamed or swollen.

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Video - How a horse gives birth to a foal

If the farmer does everything correctly, there will be no difficulties with the mare getting pregnant or giving birth. This animal is characterized by good health and stable vitality. Your task as a horse owner is to monitor the process, help the pet if an emergency situation arises, and then rejoice at the birth of a new animal and educate it.