The Oestrous Cycle

Course Title: The Oestrous Cycle 
Programme: Getting the Mare in Foal Programme (Course 2) 

Overview: 
Building on reproductive anatomy knowledge, this second course in the Getting the Mare in Foal Programme examines the hormonal regulation of the mare's breeding cycle and how nature synchronises reproduction with seasonal conditions to maximise conception rates and foal survival. 

Suitable for: Owner/breeders, stud farm managers and employees, equine studies students and anyone with an interest in equine reproduction. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion, learners will be able to: 

• Recognise how the oestrous cycle is synchronised with the seasons 

• Understand why the oestrous cycle is synchronised with the seasons 

• Identify the phases of the equine oestrous cycle  

• Understand the source, target and effect of the main hormones in the oestrous cycle 

• Know the role of hormones in maintaining a pregnancy 

Course Content: 

• Cycle phases and environmental triggers: anoestrus, transitional periods, cycling (dioestrus and oestrus) 

• Achieving conception: follicle development, tracking via ultrasound, ovulation, fertilisation in the oviduct 

• The conceptus journey: movement through oviduct to uterus, embryo development, placental attachment and interdigitation 

• Hormonal cascade: melatonin, GnRH, FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin 

• Glands: pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary and their roles in cycle regulation 

• Pregnancy maintenance including corpus luteum function

• Foal heat considerations: timing, conception rates, uterine involution factors, risk assessment 

Delivery Method: Self-paced online learning featuring expert videos, supported learning materials and interactive content. 

Assessment: Completion quiz with downloadable certificate available through TB-Ed dashboard. 

Accreditation: BHA CPD accredited 

Prerequisites: Course 1, The Reproductive Tract (recommended for sequential learning). 

Cost: Courses are free for members of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. Non-members – The Oestrous Cycle: £145.