Reproduction
The veterinarians and staff at McKee-Pownall Equine Newmarket and Niagara provide reproductive services. We take great pride in continuously updating our skills to provide our clients with the most current and innovative techniques and equipment. Reproductive work can be scheduled on-farm.
-
Breeding soundness examination
-
Ultrasound examination
-
Estrous synchronization
-
Instruction on requirements for importation of semen
-
Infertility diagnostics (uterine culture/sensitivity, cytology, and endometrial biopsy)
-
Treatment of the infertile mare
-
Vaginal speculum examination and endoscopy
-
Hormone analysis and manipulation
-
Evaluation of pregnancy and strategies for maintenance of pregnancy
-
Pre-foaling preventative health care
-
Foaling assistance/Dystocia management
-
Post-foaling preventative health care
-
24-hour emergency service
Follow this link for more information on What do do when your mare is foaling?
Timeline For Artificial Insemination
The first step, once you have decided to breed your mare, is to select a stallion and contact the stallion owners. You should find out which days the stallion is collected, how the semen is shipped and time frame for shipping. In addition, for international shipping, you must find out what import regulations exist. This information can be obtained from our vet offices, CFIA office, or online on the CFIA website.
Next, your veterinarian needs to perform an initial assessment, including ultrasound examination, and other diagnostics depending on the mare's reproductive history. The initial ultrasound exam can provide information on when the mare is predicted to be in heat, and her potential timing of ovulation. Once the mare is in heat, she needs to be followed closely to predict the time of ovulation. For fresh chilled semen, the semen needs to be inseminated prior to the mare ovulating, and will generally remain viable within the uterus for up to 48 hours. For frozen semen, the mare needs to be inseminated within 4-6 hours after ovulation, and requires much more diligent monitoring of the mare through ultrasound. Once the mare is bred, medications are often administered to promote ovulation. Ovulation is confirmed after insemination, and the mare is checked 14-16 days after ovulation for pregnancy.