Use Of Hormones In Equine Breeding Management

Abstract

The administration of hormones to mares during breeding management is an essential tool for equine practitioners. Proper and timely administration of specific hormones to broodmares may be targeted: 1) to prevent reproductive disorders, 2) to aid in treating reproductive disorders or hormonal imbalances, and 3) to optimize reproductive efficiency, for example, induction of estrus or ovulation. The most common applications of exogenous hormone administration include controlling the duration and onset of the different stages of the estrous cycle (specifically by affecting duration of luteal function or hastening ovulation) and stimulating myometrial activity in mares susceptible to or showing delayed uterine clearance. In this discussion, we will address the effects and potential indications for the different hormones available to the equine practitioner working with broodmare reproduction.