Preparing for Natural Breeding

by Nicole Lanphear

‘Tis the time to prepare for breeding season! For a successful season, there are several things to keep in mind. While natural breeding, or “pasture breeding,” is used less regularly than artificial insemination, Mother Nature still has some benefits that current science doesn’t.

Preparing for Natural Breeding
Careful planning and preparedness can help to avert several of the drawbacks of natural breeding, which include a higher risk of infection and injury. Overall, natural breeding gives a higher chance of getting the mare pregnant while artificial insemination, despite its lower risk of injury, has a lesser chance of impregnating the mare.

Breeding healthy horses is key for the overall success and health of the mare and stallion—not to mention the foal--no matter which method you choose. Both stallion and mare owners should have the animals inspected prior to breeding to ensure quality and success. Because natural breeding has the risk of infection that artificial insemination doesn’t have, having a vet-check is one way to protect your mare or stallion.

For the Stallion
Regular exercise without over-straining the stallion will keep him in prime condition for natural breeding (careful attention to the mare’s condition will also help prepare her for the event). Injuries with natural breeding are generally mild, and commonly include bites and scrapes; more severe injuries include kicks to the stallion’s penis, but even then, most horses eventually recover. The more interaction a stallion has with other horses on a day-to-day basis, the better behaved he will be in a pasture breeding situation. For in-hand breeding, experienced handlers are also able to minimize the risk of injury.

One way to give a stallion more experience is to turn him out with one mare in a secure pasture, and then if the experience is successful, add more mares to his harem. Most of the time, the stallion will be able to impregnate all the mares of the group.

For the Mare
Now is the time to introduce your mare to artificial light 12 hours a day, says Dr. Ron Friedman of the Oregon Equine Reproduction Center. This tricks the mare’s brain into thinking the days are longer and spring is here. She will then start her cycle earlier and be prepared for breeding. Also, a breeding soundness check at this time of the year will identify any problems, especially in a mare that has had previous trouble conceiving.

The prepared mare will have a regular cycle and no uterine infection or inflammation. Avoid a headache by having the mare examined before she is taken to the stallion or breeding farm.

Successful Breeding
Returning the animals to nature allows the horses to relax and without surrounding stresses, the likelihood of pregnancy increases. Although it may take some time, in pasture breeding the mare is able to regulate and dictate when she is most ready to become impregnated. This process can’t be compared with artificial insemination.

Pasture breeding healthy mares produces a pregnancy rate of 90 percent, while in-hand breeding produces a rate of 80 percent. International Competition Stallions, a breeding company in Great Britain, shows a 75 percent success rate with artificial insemination, but the rate varies with each stallion. As with natural breeding, artificial insemination conception rates can be higher when the timing is right.

Racing thoroughbreds are required to breed naturally, and those breeding farms are highly managed. Because they are so meticulously maintained and overseen, the natural breeding has a high success rate. But natural breeding is not for everyone.

AI as an Alternative to Natural Breeding
Artificial insemination can be less costly than transporting a stallion or mare, and is more accessible for those mare owners who can ship semen from across the country if there is no suitable stallion in the area. The procedure is less stressful on the animals than if they have to be transported for a natural breeding, and it is quicker than in-hand or pasture breeding. There is also less of a risk for spreading disease.

Because of this, AI has gained greatly in popularity, but only you can decide which method is right for your own breeding program. Before deciding to breed, evaluate which technique is most practical for you and your horse. Also, consult a vet or expert and make smart decisions in the choice of stallion and your commitment to raising a foal.

The best time for pasture breeding is April through June, so the time to prepare mares and stallions is now. Healthy diet and exercise over the first few months of the New Year will make the time for natural breeding smoother.

Don’t let the cold weather fool you – spring will be here before you know it, and nature will take its course. The sooner you begin preparing, the better your chance for success.
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Proper procedure and advice from local breeding experts or veterinarians is essential. Some resources in the Pacific Northwest include:

Reproductive Revolutions
Newberg, OR
www.reproductiverevolutions.com

Puget Sound Equine Reproduction Center
Snohomish, WA
www.pilchuckvet.com/services/horse_repro.htm

Oregon Equine Reproduction Center
Lake Oswego, OR
www.oregonequine.com/reproductionpg.html

Rocky Bay Equine
Vaughn, WA
www.rockybayequine.com