Can a horse go into heat while pregnant?
Some mares will appear to have a heat cycle despite being in foal. This can be because they’ve had several foals before, or it may be because the mare has a hay belly that makes her abdomen look distended. Not all mares show obvious signs of being in foal, even late in the pregnancy.
What is gestation period for horses?
11 – 12 months
When are mares most fertile?
Mares are at their most fertile in the spring and early summer and the gestation time is about 11 months.
When do mares go in heat?
Mares are seasonal breeders that cycle from about early May through October. A normal cycle consists of roughly seven days of estrus and a 14-day period of diestrus (when she is not in heat).
What does a horse in heat mean?
Heat is the layman’s term for showing signs of estrus. Whether you are planning to breed your mare or not, her body will continue to prepare to be pregnant. Horses are polyestrous seasonal breeders, which means that they will have multiple estrous cycles during the horse’s natural breed- ing season.
How many times a year does a mare come into season?
The estrous cycle, also known as “season” or “heat” of a mare occurs roughly every 19–22 days and occurs from early spring into autumn. As the days shorten, most mares enter an anestrus period during the winter and thus do not cycle in this period.
Do mares have discharge when in heat?
Mares in heat (estrus) often have a clear or mucous discharge. Reddish discharge in a mare that recently foaled or aborted is considered normal for at least 7 days post-foaling. However, a post-foaling mare should always be bright and have a good appetite.
Do mares have discharge after foaling?
Some vaginal discharge for 7-10 days post foaling can be normal, however thick brown/red discharge or thick yellow discharge is not normal and may indicate metritis. If in doubt, it is recommended that you call your vet and describe the discharge to determine if a visit is warranted.