Perhaps a good follow on from Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition, this scientific text covers in depth, topics relating to breeding horses. Made up of 18 chapters over 253 pages, the anatomy and physiology of the mare and stallion are considered.
One drawback of this text may be the at times confusing language or ‘vet talk’. There are many terms that could prove to be confusing for the reader that is first pursuing knowledge in the area of the reproductive physiology of horses. It comes as no surprise then that this text is recommended for a subject that is undertaken in the third year of an equine science degree.
Reproductive Anatomy of the Mare
In the Manual of Equine Reproduction, two-thirds of the text is dedicated to understanding the anatomy and physiology of the mare prior to, during and after pregnancy. The first chapter provides an in depth look at the reproductive anatomy of the mare.
Each organ of the reproductive tract is identified and discussed, with diagrams and photos utilised to help explain. Once familiar with where organs are, their role and the physiology of the mare’s system are discussed in the following chapter.
Breeding Soundness Examinations
It is a good breeding practice to assess mares and stallions for ‘breeding soundness’. This involves looking at their overall health, reproductive tracts and for the mare and stallion, anything about their physical condition that could indicate issues with holding a pregnancy, or being able to get a mare in foal. Because the breeding of horses is an investment – and often a business one – this book has a chapter dedicated each to the breeding soundness examination of the mare and evaluating the stallion.
Other subjects, such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer are also considered. The book concludes with a chapter on evaluating breeding records. For any person who is going into the business of breeding horses, record maintenance is vital and quite beneficial.
Objectives and Study Questions
At the start of each chapter, learning objectives are listed for the student. This provides an insight into the type of information or knowledge that should be acquired whilst reading the chapter. Questions are made available for the student to consider on completion of the chapter, providing an excellent opportunity for revision.
The Manual of Equine Reproduction is a valuable learning tool with regards to the details of breeding horses. The terminology however implies assumption of a basic level of breeding physiology prior to reading this text.
Source
- Manual of Equine Reproduction, Blanchard et al., 2003. Published by Mosby, second edition. ISBN 0 323 01713 4.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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