Inducing the estrus in mares by novel device for light programme

Abstract

The Equilume light mask is a successful method at inducing the mare’s estrous cycle with results similar to mares kept under stable lights but offering the breeder more positives than housing the mare in stables. A survey of stud farm managers shows the cost of housing mares under artificial photoperiod in stables to be $120 per week, which adds up to $2500 a year for the treatment. The benefits to the mare include being housed outside in her natural herd environment. The risk of certain respiratory disease is reduced where mares are housed outdoors and conditions like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can flare up indoors due to a dusty environment. Mares outside have more opportunity to express natural behaviour and reduce the risk of developing vices which is a common problem when houses for long period of time. Vices include boxing walking, crib-biting and wind-sucking and these stable vices vastly reduce the mares’ value if she was to be sold. Carnevale (1997) stated that mares on pasture ovulate earlier than mares fed on dry fed.