Pregnancy and Parturition Ms. sears

Fertilization: Takes place once the sperm cell and the egg join. Only one egg to one sperm cell

Pregnancy Average gestation: 330 Days about 11 months Gestation: The length of pregnancy from conception to parturition

Pregnancy cont. Pregnancy may not be visible during the first few months Tests should be run to make sure tests include: urine and blood analysis

Pregnancy cont. If you have a skilled vet or breeder palpating and ultrasound are also good ways to check. However, these options can be more expensive and the person running the test must be good at their job. Teasing a mare is another option but it is not as accurate

Parturition Is the process of giving birth. In horses this is a generally quick process. Less than 30 minutes once the water breaks

Parturition Stages Parturition happens in three stages: Stage 1: Labor begins Stage 2: Foal is born Stage 3: Placenta is expelled (passed)

Position Foal should exit in a diving position Front feet then head and shoulders. Foals start to breath as soon as the umbilical cord breaks Dystocia – Difficult birth

Afterwards Foal: foals usually stand within 30 minutes of being born and is nursing within 2 hours. Mare: The mare will pass the placenta and begin taking care of the foal quickly after the foal is born.

Afterwards cont. ** If the placenta is not passed within 8 hours of the birth then you need to call a vet.**

At 25 days: heart beat is present Foal Development At 25 days: heart beat is present

Day 40 The foal is now ¾’’ and looks like a four legged animal Ears, eyelids, and other features are starting to form

Day 50 Foal is just over an inch long. Features are becoming more distinct. Ribs and skull are forming.

Day 60 Hooves have developed Foal is starting to resemble a horse.

Day 80 Sex is visible. About the size of a chipmunk.

Day 150 Foal gains a pound every 10 days. Hair is starting to develop. Eyelashes are now visible.

Day 180 Mane and tail have started to form.

Day 270 Fetus now looks like a foal. About the size of a German Shepherd.

Day 320 Lungs have developed enough to support the foal if it was born early. The hair covering the foal has become coarser.

Day ~330 Foal is born!