Genetic parameters for gestation length in French horse breeds

Langlois, Bertrand; Blouin, Christine

doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2012.02.028

Cited by 16 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Another study that measured the percentage of mare and stallion influence on gestation duration found that 13 to 18% are related to the mare and only 2-3% to the stallion (Langlois and Blouin, 2012).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting gestational length in the Mangalarga Paulista breed

Ferreira¹,

Meirelles²,

Guimarães³

et al. 2016

Anim Reprod

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The Mangalarga Paulista is a Brazilian horse breed that originated from a cross between Andalusian and Alter Real horses, and despite its national importance, no data exist regarding their gestational length. This study was conducted to determine the variation in gestation length and the influence of factors such as the sex of the foal, maternal age and parity, stallion and mating period. Retrospectively, data from 208 gestations of Mangalarga Paulista foals located in Piracaia, SP, Brazil, during the period from 1991 to 2012 were analyzed. The mean gestational length was 343.08 ± 0.66 days, with a range between 317 and 404 days. Gestation of mares carrying colts had a tendency to be longer than mares carrying fillies. Maternal parity significantly affected gestational length, with longer gestation for primiparous mares until the third gestation, shorter pregnancies between 4th and 8th gestation, and longer thereafter. Regarding mating period, mares that were mated at the end of the breeding season (January and February) had shorter pregnancies (P < 0.05). These results are of significant clinical and economic relevance for the equine industry, so that the monitoring of gestation and parturition can be performed effectively.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting gestational length in the Mangalarga Paulista breed

Ferreira¹,

Meirelles²,

Guimarães³

et al. 2016

Anim Reprod

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries, a year’s age is automatically imposed on horses on the first day of the registration year. This is problematic for breeders of foals born near the start of the registration year, leading to registration irregularities when foals are born early, as has been noted in some GL studies . In two studies of Thoroughbreds, no GLs earlier than 315 days were reported, resulting in high mean GL values (Table ).…”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Researchers are addressing equine heredity with cohorts of a previously unseen scale. In France, where all breed registry data includes ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy under the Haras Nationaux (national studbook) regulations, researchers retrospectively studied over 350,000 gestations, with the aim of refining knowledge of the sire and dam’s genetic contribution to gestation length and fetal health . Such studies enable GL data to be collected on an equally major scale.…”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Retrospective studies using different stud book sources may need to adjust data to enable meta‐analysis. In France, the policy of the Haras Nationaux , the national studbook, requires ultrasound confirmation 14 and 20 days post‐insemination, plus a positive result at 43–45 days post‐fertilisation . Despite this, study data still required correction, for some breeders had declared the first day of mating rather than the last.…”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies have reported differences between primiparous and multiparous mares . Langlois and Blouin found that mares had a longer gestation if they had not foaled the previous year …”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Equine gestational length and location: is there more that the research could be telling us?

et al. 2017

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Clear definitions of 'normal' equine gestation length (GL) are elusive, with GL being subject to a considerable number of internal and external variables that have confounded interpretation and estimation of GL for over 50 years. Consequently, the mean GL of 340 days first established by Rossdale in 1967 for Thoroughbred horses in northern Europe continues to be the benchmark value referenced by veterinarians, breeders and researchers worldwide. Application of a 95% confidence limit to reported GL range values indicates a possible connection between geographic location and GL. Improved knowledge of this variable may help in assessing the degree of the neonate's prematurity and dysmaturity at or soon after birth, and identification of conditions such as incomplete ossification of the carpal and tarsal bones. Associated pathologies such as bone malformation and fracture, angular limb deformity and degenerative joint disease can cause chronic unsoundness, rendering horses unsuitable for athletic purpose and shortening ridden careers. This review will examine both the factors contributing to GL variation and the published data to determine whether there is potential to refine our understanding of GL by establishing a more accurate and regionally relevant GL range based on a 95% confidence limit. This may benefit both equine industry economics and equine welfare by improving early identification of skeletally immature neonates, so that appropriate intervention may be considered.

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