Broodmare management
In order to facilitate the management of spring broodmares at the start of the breeding season (1st September for Thoroughbreds), the following checklist is essential.
Dry Mares
- Pre-mating examination to identify problem mares
- Caslick surgery if required, previous Caslicks may need to be opened before mating
- Worm treatment
- Assess body condition
- Dental examination
- Consider artificial lights to accelerate transition period
- Vaccinations - start a vaccination programme or have booster vaccinations for tetanus, strangles, salmonella and herpes
Pregnant Mares
- Feed supplementation (eg NRM balancer nuts) for last third of pregnancy
- Caslicks may need to be opened
- Worm treatment
- Check selenium levels
- Assess body condition
- Booster vaccination - tetanus, strangles, salmonella (a month before foaling)
- Early introduction to foaling environment to reduce stress levels around foaling
- Organise a foaling alarm or send mare away to foaling facility
Totally Vets will provide you with a complete breeding service from pre-breeding examination up to foaling and discuss vaccination and worming options and design programmes to suit your mare. We offer a complete dental service including sedation if required and have foaling alarms available for hire to our clients.
