Preliminary observations on the use of colostrum as an uterine infusion in thoroughbred mares

Abstract

Between 1977 and 1979, twenty thoroughbred mares each received an uterine infusion of 120 mls of mare colostrum in 380 mls of normal saline during mating heats. In 2 of the 20 mares the infusion was repeated after they had foaled normally in 1978. The mares ranged from 7 to 24 years old. In 1977, four of the six mares treated at two studs (A and B) produced live foals. During the current season (1978–79), 16 were irrigated, 6 at Stud A and 10 at Stud B. Ten were manually tested in-foal 45 days after last covering.

All mares had undergone corrective surgery for penumovagina, and had either cycled irregularly several times or had not settled at an advanced stage in the breeding season. The majority were old and were presented with histories of previous reproductive failure.