Parturition Behaviour - Mare

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.

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.