574 



CHAPTER XXV. 



Parturition. 



The treatment of mares in foal and at the time of parturition 

 will be better understood by a brief reference to those antecedent 

 conditions without which a mare cannot give birth tio a foal. 



The period of oestrum in the mare is that selected for copu- 

 lation. Its appearance every three or four weeks, from April to 

 August, is common, but there are many exceptions to this rule 

 as well as varying degrees of heat, in some mares so slight as to 

 go unnoticed by the groom, and in others demanding attention, 

 not only by visible signs, such as erection of the clitoris and 

 emissions from the vulva, but constitutional disturbance and 

 variations of temper, which have led to a general preference for 

 geldings among the public. The appearance 'and persistence of 

 oestrum is more marked among domesticated than wild animals, 

 the mare being no exception to the rule. 



Climatic influence is also an important factor, second only to 

 feeding and comfortable environment. Warm clothing and stimu- 

 lating food, with but little exercise, are calculated to produce 

 oestrum in the winter months, when in half-breds it is not gener- 

 ally looked for. 



The necessities of the racing stud are quite different, and 

 oestrum is desired at a time of year when other horses are not 

 allowed to breed. Details of the physiological conditions of the 

 mare at the time of heat cannot be given here, but the changes 

 taking place in the generative apparatus, result in those symptoms 

 which, taken together bring a mare into use, and point to this 

 period as the time for copulation. 



A special set of web hobbles are generally used to prevent mares 

 from injuring the stallion, whose attentions may not at first be 

 well received. 



Fecundation can only be accomplished by actual contact of semen 

 with the ovum of the mare, which, if not impregnated, dies or is 



