Potential reasons for failure to conceive and pregnancy loss

Course Title: Potential reasons for failure to conceive and pregnancy loss
Programme: Getting the Mare in Foal Programme (Course 5)

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

Overview

Despite optimal management and careful planning, conception doesn't always occur, and established pregnancies can be lost at various stages of gestation. This course provides learners with a thorough understanding of potential reasons why mares fail to conceive and why pregnancies may terminate early or later in gestation.

The course explores the multifaceted causes of reproductive failure, challenges at covering and uterine infections to genetic abnormalities and infectious diseases.

Learners will learn to recognise critical risk periods, understand diagnostic approaches, and implement preventive strategies that can significantly improve breeding outcomes.

Whether managing a single mare or overseeing a larger breeding operation, this course enables learners to identify potential problems early, make informed breeding decisions, and work proactively with veterinary professionals to give each pregnancy the best possible chance of success.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, you’ll be able to:

• Recognise the critical periods when early pregnancy losses are most likely to occur
• Understand the various causes of early embryonic and foetal loss, including genetic, infectious and hormonal factors
• Understand the causes and prevention strategies for mid-to-late gestation loss and abortion
• Work collaboratively with veterinary professionals to understand and address reproductive failures
• Make informed decisions about future breeding attempts based on understanding of potential causes of failure

Course Content

Module 1: Failure to Conceive

This module explores potential reasons why mares fail to conceive, despite optimal breeding management:

• Covering technique and timing optimisation
• Uterine infections: diagnosis, treatment and prevention
• Unviable sperm or ova evaluation
• Genetic causes of infertility and subfertility
• Mare-stallion incompatibility factors

Module 2: Early Pregnancy Loss

Focusing on early pregnancy loss, this module looks at:

• Genetic pregnancy development dysfunction
• Uterine infections and barrier failures during pregnancy
• Hormone imbalances affecting pregnancy maintenance
• Maternal recognition of pregnancy

Module 3: Later Pregnancy Loss and Abortion

This module addresses the challenge of late-term losses, including:

• Placentitis and placental failure: detection and treatment
• Umbilical cord torsion and associated risk factors
• Viral infections, particularly equine herpesvirus (EHV 1 and 4)
• Congenital abnormalities
• Poisoning, and stress-related pregnancy loss
• Twin pregnancies and scanning protocols

Delivery Method: Self-paced online learning featuring videos and supported learning materials.

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

Accreditation: BHA CPD accredited.

Prerequisites: Courses 1-4 (recommended for sequential learning and maximum programme benefit).

Cost: Courses are free for members of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. Non-members – Procedures to Optimise Fertility after Covering; £95.