Parturition Behaviour - Mare

Stage 1

• Mammary hypertrophy, waxing of the teats and possible escape of milk from the glands.
• Patchy sweating behind the elbows and around the flanks.
  • Commences ~4 hours before the birth of the foal and increases as the stage progresses.
• Yawns
• No indication of pain.
• Food is taken readily
• Respirations are normal
• Pulse is ~60
• Body temperature may become slightly subnormal (36.5-37◦C).
• Restlessness, wanders aimlessly.
• Tail is frequently raised or held to one side.
• May swish the tail or slap it against the anus.
• Kicking of the abdomen
• Towards the end of this stage:
  • Crouching
  • Straddling of hindlimbs
  • Going down on knees or sternum and rising again
  • Glancing at flank
• This stage terminates with the rupture of the allantochorionic membrane and the escape of allantoic fluid from the vulva.
  • No visible straining during this period.

Stage 2

• Abrupt onset, lasts~17 minutes
• Appearance of the amnion or commencement of forceful straining
  • Not much delay between them, often coincide.
• Soon after straining begins, the mare goes down.
• Lies on her side with the limbs extended
  • Generally remains in this position until the foal is born.
• Transperent blue/white 'water bag' (amnion) visible at the vulva
• Quickly followed by the appearance in it of a digit.
• Straining at regular intervals.
  • Each comprises 3/4 powerful expulsive efforts followed by a period of rest.
  • Generally 3 minutes long
• One forelimb procedes the other by 7-8cm
  • One elbow passes through the pelvic inlet before the other preventing minimal obstruction.
• Head is usually in the oblique position, but may be transverse with the cheek lying on the limbs.
• Greates and longest effort is with birth of the head.
• After expulsion of the foal, the mare may remain on her side exhausted for up to 30 minutes.
• Umbillical cord is intact when the foal is born.
  • Subsequently ruptures 5-8cm below the belly due to movement of the mare or foal.
• Foal is usually born within the amnion, which is ruptured by movements of the forelegs.
• Lower portions of the hindlimbs often remain within the vagina for minutes after the rest of the foal is born.

Stage 3

• Membranes expelled quickly after the birth of the foal.
• Usually within 3 hours.
• Duration of stage 3 is ~30 minutes.
• Afterbirth is expelled by myometrial contractions with no straining.

Parturition Behaviour - Mare Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine Q&A 17