Indicadores perinatais em um criatório de equinos da raça Puro Sangue Inglês em Bagé - RS

Abstract

The growth and development of the equestrian industry generates millions of dollars in Brazil and worldwide, thus increasing the economic importance of horses and the interest in research regarding gestational health and fetal viability. This demands harmony between the gestational period, birth, and neonatal stages, reflecting proper maintenance of the intrauterine environment and metabolic exchanges between the foal and the mare. The care and monitoring of pregnancy, labor, and neonatal evaluation can prevent many losses and allow for early intervention. The aim of the present study is to describe the incidence of obstetric and neonatal alterations in a Thoroughbred (PSI) breeding farm during 5 reproductive seasons. Two articles were produced: the first being a case report and the second a retrospective study. The case report describes the induction of labor in a PSI mare and the assessment of neonatal maturity, discussing the most reliable time and method for carrying out the practice. In the retrospective study, 70 mares over a 5-year period were evaluated, resulting in 191 pregnancies. Maternal and neonatal indices were correlated to find any influence and/or dependence between them. A relationship was observed between the following factors: maternal age, mare's parity, gestation duration, foal's sex, and the foal's height and weight. Additionally, the influence of progesterone supplementation during pregnancy was evaluated, but no significant correlation was found between the groups. The study demonstrated a low mortality rate (2% embryonic losses and 3% abortion) and 3.8% foal non-survival rate. These data are similar to those found in other studies conducted in the Bagé/RS region, as well as in other regions of Brazil and worldwide.