160 



MODERN HORSE MANAGEMENT 



[chap. XI 



A mare put to a thoroughbred stallion is 

 generally longer pregnant than one put to a 

 common-bred. 



630. Table of CEstrum for Mare. 



Duration, 4 to 7 days. 



Return if not impregnated, 2 to 3 weeks. 



Return after parturition, 7 to 10 days. 



Several hours before parturition the muscles 

 over the quarters (gluteal) will sink, due to the 

 relaxation of the large sacro-sciatic ligaments, 

 which thus allow the easy passage of the foetus 



through the pelvic cavity. After the foal is born, 

 if the after-birth (placenta) has not come away 

 clean, it must be carefully removed with the 

 hand, which must be thoroughly aseptic. The 

 womb must then be flushed out with 1 per cent, 

 creolin. This latter precaution should be taken 

 in any case. 



The navel of the foal should be well cleansed 

 with a similar solution directly after birth. 



Foals should be weaned when 5 to 8 months 

 old. 



