| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
|
LesleyA
Silver Member
Scotland
328 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 12:01:06 PM
|
|
I have a 6 year old maiden Anglo Arab mare who is due to foal around 30 March but I've noticed she has quite a big udder already. I have had maidens before and they have never started bagging up this early so just a bit concerned everything is ok. Can any more experienced breeders tell me if this is normal?
|
|
Report to moderator
|
|
|
BabsR
Platinum Member
England
2790 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 12:47:54 PM
|
This can and does happen occasionally with maiden mares. The gestation period needs to be least 300 days,for the foal to have a chance of survival. Premature foals, born before 300 days are usually non-viable as the lungs are not sufficiently developed, to sustain life. Count your days, from the Mares last covering date
which should indicate when she will be at 300 days gestation
Was she scanned in foal with a single embryo....as a twin pregnancy often results in premature birth. Also, maiden mares, sometimes `spring` a bag several weeks before the `due` date, then after a few days, the bag reduces quite considerably, and the Mare carries on to full term, the bag slowly reaching full volume, and waxing, when
foaling is imminent.
Any occurrence which is `out of the norm` in a heavily pregnant mare should be closely monitores.Regular observation 24/7 needs to be instigated in order to note signs of labour or any problems
Hopefully, your mare will carry on with her pregnancy and all will be well. It is not unusual for Maiden Mares to foal 2/3 weeks early
and produce a fine strong foal.
However, be aware and keep a close watch. If the Mare is bright, eating well and showing no signs of discomfort or stress..a good indication... all is well.
Hope this helps. Good Luck
www.SunrayAngloArabianStud.co.uk
P.S. Trust your mare is stabled at night...where you are able to make regular checks |
        |
Edited by - BabsR on 02 Feb 2009 12:58:34 PM |
Report to Moderator  |
|
|
LesleyA
Silver Member
Scotland
328 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 1:12:23 PM
|
| Hi Babs, Thank you for the information. My mare is 286 days from last covering and has been scanned twice at 18 days and 30 days and only single foetus seen on both times. She is stabled at night so I am able to keep a close eye on her. I have only bred 3 foals and all have been from maidens and never had one start bagging up so early. Fingers crossed she carries to term and I get a healthy foal. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Nedds71
Gold Member
Wales
679 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 3:33:40 PM
|
| Ditto everything babs says. Also possible for mare to bag slightly due to the way the foal is lying, which in a few days may move and the bag disapear again. If she's going to go early I'm sure you will see the signs! |
BJ
www.bmjarabians.co.uk
 |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Montikka
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2653 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 5:39:45 PM
|
I am no expert, but worked at a stud for many years , and later, have had a few home-breds, so, in my (limited) experience, I wouldn't worry too much about the early bagging-up,.
If all else seems fine, and she isn't 'waxy' or 'soft round her tail' she will probably have no problems. We have seen many mares look 'bursting' WEEKS before the event.
But as BabsR says - keep a close eye.
|
   
Louise, Warwickshire |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
BabsR
Platinum Member
England
2790 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 6:05:20 PM
|
Just one final word of caution........whilst feel sure all is well,
if it is that your mare is threatening to abort her foal.......there are usually no `signs` ie, waxing up, relaxation of the muscles around the base of tail, lengthening of the vulva. Abortion happens suddenly, without warning.
Guess you will be feeling very much happier when she has reached her 300 days.
Years ago, 1979, (before mares were scanned) our homebred maiden surprised us with twin fillies (302 day pregnancy) What a shock...both survived and grew well, the mare was an amazing mother, and we never needed to suppliment the foals
BNC Sunray Seranata and her twin Anglo Fillies S. Sarina and S.Salina at AHS Haydock Park June 1979
www.SunrayAngloArabianStud.co.uk |
|
Edited by - BabsR on 02 Feb 2009 6:13:26 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Pashon2001
Platinum Member
3575 Posts |
|
|
Montikka
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2653 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 7:18:21 PM
|
Fantastic BabsR - surviving twins - brilliant - not common in Equines  |
Louise, Warwickshire |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
LesleyA
Silver Member
Scotland
328 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2009 : 10:05:55 PM
|
I certainly will be glad when she reaches the 300 day mark!! I'll be watching her like a hawk. Thanks for the replys. Will post any news.
Lesley |
| Report to Moderator |
|
| |
Topic |
|
Topic Locked 
