CHAPTER \IU 



MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 



MUCH of the success attending breeding operations, or of 

 the failures resulting therefrom, depends upon the 

 manner of looking after the mares, no matter whether 

 they are '*in" foal or otherwise. The management of a stud may 

 be classified as good, bad, and indifferent, and those who are 

 fortunate enough to be favoured with the first named should 

 appreciate it accordingly. Bad and indifferent treatment of 

 brood mares is almost certain to be followed by failure, and 

 if the latter does not actually result, the ultimate issue is nothing 

 like so satisfactory as with mares that have received considera- 

 tion and careful attendance throughout the whole period of 

 gestation. 



When mares are served soon after (preferably about 

 ten days afterwards) foaling, particular attention should be 

 given to note the character of the discharge ejected when in 

 use, because if there has been any trouble during the labour, 

 very possibly there will be evidence of some abnormal discharge ; 

 if so, the mare should have the generative passage syringed 

 out with a solution of bicarbonate of soda (two to four ounces 

 to half a gallon of tepid water) and a little, say, forty grains of 

 permanganate of potash dissolved in it. 



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