In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', equine reproductive physiologist Dr. Chris Mortensen talks about the exciting and incredible process of horse reproduction and birth.
Using the example of a mare named Tari and her foal, Prairie Rose, he explains various stages of labor, the differences in horse pregnancy compared to other animals, and the importance of early bonding and colostrum for the newborn foal.
Dr. Mortensen also discusses some difficulties that can occur during foaling, such as dystocia and red bag births, emphasizing that while most births proceed normally, vigilance is required to ensure the safety of both mare and foal.
Finally, he highlights the significance of colostrum for the immunity of the newborns and reiterates his admiration for these stoic and awe-inspiring creatures.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 A Night in the Life of a Pregnant Mare
03:23 Introduction to the Host and the Topic
03:35 The Fascinating Process of Equine Reproduction
04:45 The Risks of Giving Birth in the Wild
05:00 The Journey from Pregnancy to Birth
06:01 The Biological Changes Leading to Parturition
10:48 The Role of Hormones in Equine Birth
12:57 The Signs of an Approaching Birth
15:09 The Importance of Monitoring During Birth
26:50 Understanding the Stages of Labor
29:10 Monitoring the Mare Before Labor
29:32 Personal Experiences with Foaling
31:30 The Quickness of Stage Two Labor
32:38 The Joy of Mare and Foal Bonding
33:28 The Importance of Foal Positioning
35:52 Dealing with Dystocia
38:44 The Danger of Red Bag Birth
41:43 Post-Birth Checks and Care
44:19 The Journey of Prairie Rose
45:24 The Importance of Colostrum
49:33 Reflecting on Foaling Experiences
Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.
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