Changes

=Introduction=

Teasing is a vital part of routine gynaecological management of mares. It is a method used to detect the presence and stage of oestrus. It is often a time consuming process, but ideally it should be performed daily throughout the breeding season. Teasing can help increase conception rates and allow for more efficient use of breeding stallions.

==Introduction==

Teasing is a vital part of routine gynaecological management of mares. It is a method used to detect the presence and stage of [[Oestrus Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology|oestrus]]. It is often a time consuming process, but ideally it should be performed daily throughout the breeding season. Teasing can help increase conception rates and allow for more efficient use of breeding stallions.

==Signs of Oestrous==

==Signs of Oestrous==

==Procedure==

==Procedure==

Ideally individual teasing should be performed as it allows closer observation of each mare. It should be performed in a stress-free and familiar environment, and extra time (up to 20 minutes) should be allowed in recently foaled or maiden mares. It should be noted that some mares will or show signs of oestrous if their foal is/isn't present. The mares should be observed carefully before during and after contact with the stallion for any signs of oestrous.  

Ideally '''individual teasing''' should be performed as it allows '''closer observation of each mare'''. It should be performed in a '''stress-free and familiar environment''', and extra time (up to 20 minutes) should be allowed in recently foaled or maiden mares. It should be noted that some mares will only show signs of oestrous if their foal is/isn't present. The mares should be observed carefully before, during and after contact with the stallion for any signs of oestrous.  

* '''Stall Teasing'''

* '''Stall Teasing'''

The stallion is in a stable with a half-door open through which he can put his head and freely move. The mare to be teased can be presented to him individually behind a teaser board so she cannot move away; injury to mare, stallion or handlers is less likely.

The stallion is placed in a stable with a half-door open. This allows him to move freely and access the mare. The mare should be presented to the stallion behind a teaser board so that she cannot move away. This method is ideal as it minimises the risk of injury to the mare, stallion and handlers.

* '''Rail Teasing'''

* '''Rail Teasing'''

* '''Teasing Cage'''

* '''Teasing Cage'''

The stallion is enclosed in a small paddock or pen and the mares are observed for signs of oestrus. This is a more natural method, however it may be necessary to lead mares up to the stallion if they have failed to approach him voluntarily.

The stallion is enclosed in a small paddock or pen and the mares are observed for signs of oestrus. This is a more natural method, however it may be necessary to lead mares up to the stallion if they have failed to approach him voluntarily.

=References=

==References==

Coleman, R J & Powell, D (2004) '''Teasing Mares''' Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension ''University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension''

Coleman, R J & Powell, D (2004) '''Teasing Mares''' Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension ''University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension''

RVC staff (2009) '''Urogenital system''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

RVC staff (2009) '''Urogenital system''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

 

 

[[Category:Reproductive Behaviour]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Horse]]