Monitoring of reproductive success in semiferal herds of Croatian Coldblooded Horses.

Abstract

Monitoring reproductive success and pregnancy checking is extremely important in good and efficient horsebreeding. Although there are several clinical and laboratory methods, that could be used, their usage is limited by availability of the animal and reproduction data and practical experience and equipment of veterinary surgeon. Introduction of semiquantitative species specific progesterone tests for horses, combined with rectal and ultrasonographic examinations, could lead to effective and cheap protocol for monitoring reproduction in semiferal herds. Keeping infected and barren mares in herds with the stallion lead to unacceptable biohazard and decreases welfare, health and biosecurity of complete population. It is advisable to introduce breeding councils for each region and breed, combined with continuation of already established yearly lectures for horsebreeders. As Croatia recently established State Council for horsebreeding, it could be expected to get some guidelines and recommendations to achieve presented goals.