Title: Explain management practices for broodmares.
Course: Equine Science, Advanced (18104-II) > Section: Understanding Equine Reproduction

Explanation should include

- normal breeding characteristics of mares
- average age of sexual maturity
- average age for breeding
- cycle and gestational length
- signs of estrus in a mare
- steps for breeding-season hygiene
- items to be recorded during breeding season
- conditions that prevent breeding on foal heat.

Process/Skill Questions:

- When does estrus normally begin?
- What is the recommended minimum age to breed a horse?
- How long does estrus usually last?
- How soon after parturition can a mare be bred?
- What are four signs that a mare is in estrus?
- How many days is a mare’s average gestation length?
- Why is the foal heat important to breeders?
- What signs are often used to detect impending foaling (e.g., softening of ligaments, behavior, waxing up)?