MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES 



so as to bring legs into a straight line for delivery. When the 

 foal is on its back it must be turned by leverage of the hand 

 around the shoulder. Sometimes the head is turned backwards 

 towards the shoulder, if so, an effort must be made to place 

 it in a straight line, by cording the lower jaw or use of the hook, 

 but the layman ought not to use instruments, especially hooks, 

 as it is very easy to create a fatal injury through the use of 

 these appliances. 



A cause of difficult — very difficult — labour is that due to 

 the accumulation of gas beneath the skin of the foetus, due 

 to after death changes. Dropsy, abnormalities, and many 

 conditions of foal or mare, are causes of protracted labour. As 

 soon as the foal is born — unless the cord has ruptured itself, it 

 is advisable to tie it off three or four inches from the navel. 

 One can hardly be too particular regarding cleanliness 

 over this action, and many foals die through neglect in this 

 matter. Boil the tape or string and have very clean hands : 

 dust on a little boracic powder, or some other antiseptic. 



If foal is unable to stand it ought to be allowed to remain 

 on ground, so as to gain strength. There is no particular hurry 

 for it to suck. A little education is often necessary in this 

 respect, as many of these little creatures are very innocent of 

 their surroundings, and the good stuff that Nature has provided 

 as their aliment. 



In the event of the mare dying, or having a poor milk 

 supply, the foal must be reared by artificial means, though it 

 often happens — not always — that the foal does not recompense 

 one for the care and expense. 



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