Content:
What is the name of childbirth in a horse? In the process of horse birth, a foal appears, so the process is called foal.
Horses are not only pets, but also loyal and devoted friends of horse breeders. Procreation and offspring are integral parts of horse breeding. Therefore, pregnancy and childbirth are responsible and important events. Every experienced horse breeder should know how horses give birth in order to be able to help them.
But it is better to have a foal under the supervision of a veterinarian, because any mistake can cost your life.
The course of pregnancy
The horse gets pregnant once every 30 days, during estrus.
Pregnant horse
The entire pregnancy process can be roughly divided into 3 stages:
- Fertilization of the egg and the beginning of the development of the embryo;
- Intensive development of the embryo;
- Final formation of the calf and preparation for childbirth.
How long a horse is carrying a foal depends on many factors.
Caring for a horse during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the horse needs adequate nutrition. The nutritional value of feed must be increased by 40-50%. You don't need to increase the portion size, but increase the number of meals. The quality of the feed is carefully monitored. Moldy, musty, damp, caked feed is not allowed for a pregnant horse. Drinking water should be at room temperature.
To avoid serious illnesses and, as a result, abortion, cold water is prohibited. Do not physically load the animal during pregnancy. But daily light horse rides are good for the mare and prevent her from swelling. It is forbidden to morally oppress the animal: raise your voice, shout, push and make sudden movements. A pregnant horse is kept warm and dry. The bedding for her is made soft. There should be no drafts in the room.
Caring for a horse during pregnancy
The main symptoms of pregnancy
A pregnant mare that carries a calf is called pregnant. To diagnose pregnancy, it is necessary to carry out test samples 7-10 days after intercourse. An alternative method is probing the uterus and abdomen. When a mare is pregnant, a lump forms on the left side of the abdomen. Visual signs will not appear until 6 months after conception.
Not obvious, but concomitant signs that the mare is pregnant can serve as:
- Decreased appetite;
- Increased sleep duration;
- Loss of interest in the opposite sex;
- The appearance of a desire for solitude;
- Udder enlargement.
Duration of pregnancy
How long a horse's pregnancy lasts depends on its age, variety. Pregnancy in an adult lasts about 330 - 340 days, which is about 11 months. A young horse can carry a calf longer. Her gestation period is increased to 370 days. 12 months - How many months a pregnant young horse needs to walk.
How long a horse walks while pregnant is influenced by many other circumstances: season, weather conditions, feed quality.
The size of the offspring per spawn
How many foals a horse can give birth at one time depends on its breed.It is considered normal to carry one fruit. It is very difficult to carry two healthy embryos. The chances that calves will be born alive with twins are very small. The ability to become pregnant with twins is a generic feature of some horse breeds.
A newborn foal should weigh between 40 and 60 kilograms. The weight of the newborn depends on the weight of the mother, her physical condition, breed. The normal weight of a foal should be 10-15% of the mother's weight.
Correct delivery
The first signs of an approaching birth are increased horse anxiety, swollen mammary glands, mucous genitals, pelvic enlargement, milk coming out on the nipples, increased sweating.
Correct delivery
At the beginning of labor, the horse is laid on its side with a dry and warm bedding on the floor. She should lie comfortably and comfortably for the attempts to begin. During attempts, it is better not to disturb or distract the horse. During childbirth, human exposure is best minimized. Horse birth should take place in a calm and measured atmosphere.
Before giving birth, the mare's tail is tied so that the newborn foal does not get confused.
Organization of the necessary conditions
Before giving birth, the room is pre-disinfected. The walls, floor and ceiling are treated with a solution of iodine or potassium permanganate. A straw mat is placed on the floor. A dense fabric is placed under it, which will absorb moisture. The lighting in the delivery room is dimmed. All windows and doors are closed to prevent drafts. At the time of birth, there should be no strangers or strangers near the animal.
The moment of birth: help
Usually the process of giving birth to a foal lasts 30-40 minutes. The calf can be born forward, muzzle or hooves. Mostly horses are born, like people, head first.
How horses give birth
When anxiety develops in a horse, it needs to be helped to calm down. If she kicks, the legs are fixed.
After the calf is born, the young mother usually copes with the rupture of the umbilical cord. But after 10-15 minutes, the umbilical cord must be tied up and disinfected with iodine.
The newborn calf is in a bluish film - the fetal bladder. If the foal cannot burst the bladder on its own, he will have to help. After that, the foal must be washed with water at room temperature and wiped off.
After the birth of the foal
After the birth of a young horse, it is necessary to make sure that breathing is even and stable.
After the young horse gets to his feet, you need to make sure that he does not limp or tighten his legs.
It is necessary to check the sucking reflexes of the crumbs so that he can easily feed on mother's milk. Otherwise, you will have to feed the foal with mother's milk every 1.5-2 hours.
The udder is examined for swelling and inflammation. During the week after birth, the bed is changed every day. The young mother continues to be fed with enriched feed so that she gives high-quality milk, quickly recovers from childbirth and can raise the calf.
