MANAGEMENT OF THE BROOD MARE 
55 
sign, but rather upon a summary of all signs, all of which are in close 
accord and are available to the careful examiner. They should always 
be considered individually, and later collectively. 
"Other Signs of Minor Value. One of the commonest physical signs of 
pregnancy is a change in the volume and form of the abdomen. During 
the early months, the apparent increase in the volume of the abdomen 
must be due to an increased volume of fat or of internal contents, since 
the actual increase in the size of the gravid uterus is not sufficient to 
bring about any visible changes. Later, this change in volume becomes 
more marked and there ensues also some degree of change in form, which 
helps to distinguish the enlargement of pregnancy from other abdominal 
enlargement. 
“The pregnant uterus, having a very high specific gravity, drops di¬ 
rectly upon the abdominal floor and bears it down, causing the abdomen 
to enlarge chiefly in the lower part, while the upper portion apparently 
sinks somewhat. It is not reliable, however, although important. 
“The enlargement of the mammae normally begins quite early during 
pregnancy in primipara; on animals which have produced young several 
times the glands do not ordinarily show signs of enlargement until to¬ 
ward the close of gestation. The enlargement of 'the mammae is not, 
however, a trustworthy sign of pregnancy. In some animals the glands 
fail to enlarge to any appreciable degree and, after parturition, fail to 
furnish milk for the nutrition of the young. This is especially observed 
in old mares which have been bred for the first time.” 
Harper, 03 writing on this subject, says: 
“The first sign of pregnancy upon which reliance is placed is the 
cessation of the periods of heat. During this period the female persist¬ 
ently refuses the attention of the male. 
“A second sign of pregnancy is the tendency of females to take on 
fat, which is often very marked during the early stages of gestation. 
Later, the abdomen enlarges, due to the developing fetus, and the preg¬ 
nant animal becomes very clumsy, and is often incapable of performing 
certain movements. 
“A third sign of pregnancy is the development of the milk-secreting 
organs. In the case of young females with their first pregnancy this be¬ 
gins early in the period of gestation although among older animals it is 
not so apparent until later in the period. The development of the mam¬ 
mae or milk organs is not a sure sign of pregnancy, as in some animals 
the glands fail to enlarge, and after parturition fail to secrete milk. This 
is particularly true of old mares which have been bred for the first time. 
“A fourth and positive sign of pregnancy is the movements of the 
living fetus. This is readily observed in mares where the strength and 
size of the fetus are sufficient to bring about vigorous movements. Such 
movements cannot be observed until rather late in the period of preg¬ 
nancy. While there is no safe or reliable method for inducing the move¬ 
ments, they frequently can be noted while the mother is drinking, par¬ 
ticularly in the morning.” 
According to Carlson 0 the most significant among the signs of preg¬ 
nancy is the cessation or non-recurrent heat periods. This, however, 
is not to be relied upon at all times. As a rule, too, if the mare refuses 
the stallion in 30 days after service, she is most likely in foal. There 
are other signs that may indicate pregnancy. Mares that are naturally 
vicious and excitable become gentle and docile if conception took place 
after service. Fleshing, loss of energy, or indisposition for work are 
also signs of pregnancy. Carlson considers the nature of the color of 
the vulva and vagina as the most reliable sign. These organs are 
normally pale rose or pink in color but with pregnant mares the color 
gradually becomes darker until the third month when they turn bluish- 
red. The fetus begins to move in about five and a half months after con- 
