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5 main signs that your mare is about to give birth

You decided to breed your favorite mare. You spent months choosing the perfect stallion to complement your mare so that you could have the foal of your dreams. You were excited when you first saw that black “spot” on the ultrasound monitor screen, and you were even more excited when there was a heartbeat. So, you have to wait and wait and wait.

All your waiting and planning for the last eleven months is about to end.

Important things to remember:

  1. There is NO expiration date. Gestation ranges from 320 to 370 days (on average), with many mares calving at approximately 340 days.
  2. Your mare has NOT read the book. While signs of farrowing are helpful in predicting birth, not all mares will show all of the signs (or even none of the signs).
  3. If you have your heart set on a black colt, there is a chestnut filly in your future;)
  4. Horses have been delivering foals for countless generations … but it’s always a good idea to have your vet’s phone number on speed dial.

Five signs that your mare is about to give birth.

  1. The mare’s udder is full, including the teats. The udder will look shiny. Often, “wax” spots form on the end of the nipples.
  2. The mare looks “with slab sides”. Since the foal has moved to the farrowing position, the mare does not appear as round and plump.
  3. The head of the mare’s tail becomes extremely smooth and relaxed. The vulva also lengthens and relaxes.
  4. The mare exhibits an agitated demeanor. Groping, biting the sides and pacing the barn, or shoving your butt against the wall is not uncommon behavior.
  5. The mare is out of her feed. Even the most voracious eaters will ignore their meals when labor is imminent.

Helps to make sure you are there for the delivery.

  1. Calving monitors – These are alarms that can be attached to the mare’s halter or sewn onto the vulva that monitor posture or the onset of labor.
  2. Calving chambers: watch your mare’s every move from the comfort of your home. “Mare Stare” is a popular service that allows people from all over the world to watch foals with you.
  3. Milk testing: Measuring the calcium and / or pH levels in the mare’s milk can give you a window of time in which calving should occur.

I am not a veterinarian and I urge you to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding all aspects of your horse’s health and care.

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