If a mare is a female horse (or other equid), then what is a broodmare?
A broodmare, quite simply, is a mare that is used for breeding. A broodmare most often is kept exclusively
for the purpose of producing equine offspring (foals), although some broodmares
may also be ridden.
Broodmares may require special care and feeding, with
additional veterinary visits scheduled for pregnancy checks and monitoring and with
customized nutritional programs. Often, a mare that previously was shod will go
without shoes, once she becomes a broodmare and is devoted primarily to
breeding.
The gestation period for an equine is approximately 11
months, so many successful broodmares are re-bred (in heat) within a month or
two after foaling, if all goes according to plan. Because an equine foal is usually not weaned for
several months after birth, the broodmare may be rebred while still having a
baby at her side.
Top broodmares are generally valued for their proficiency at carrying healthy foals to term and transmitting excellent pedigrees, athleticism, and conformation to their offspring.
Top broodmares are generally valued for their proficiency at carrying healthy foals to term and transmitting excellent pedigrees, athleticism, and conformation to their offspring.
Image/s:
Public domain photo
Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. You are also
invited to join this writer's fan
page, as well as the Chicago Etiquette Examiner, Madison Holidays Examiner, Equestrian
Examiner and Madison
Equestrian Examiner on Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment