Procedures to Optimise Fertility After Covering

Course Title: Procedures to Optimise Fertility after Covering 
Programme: Getting the Mare in Foal Programme (Course 4) 
 

Overview 
This practical course examines the veterinary procedures and management decisions made in the critical period after covering through early pregnancy. Participants learn how to maximise conception rates through timely intervention and appropriate post-service care. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion, learners will be able to: 

• Understand the threat of uterine infections following natural covering 

• Know how uterine infections can be controlled and treated within the appropriate timeframe 

• Recognise when hormone treatments are appropriate post-covering 

• Understand the purpose and timing of post-service examinations 

• Interpret early pregnancy scan findings and progression 

• Evaluate vulval competence and when surgical intervention is beneficial 

• Make informed decisions about cross-covers and pregnancy management 

Course Content: 

Post-Service Examinations (Days 1-5): 

• Timing considerations: day 1 versus day 2 post-covering examinations 

• Ultrasound assessment of ovaries and uterus 

• Visual vulval checks for competence 

• Confirming ovulation and documenting cyst positions 

• Secondary follicle monitoring to prevent multiple conceptions 

• Understanding semen longevity (5+ days) and implications for timing 

Uterine Infection Management: 

• The challenge: natural covering inevitably introduces infection 

• Treatment windows: 5 hours post-covering through 3-4 days post-ovulation 

• Why treatments must cease before conceptus arrives from oviduct (day 4-5) 

• Low volume flushes with targeted antibiotics based on sensitivity testing 

• High volume saline flushes to remove debris and infection sources 

• Combination treatment protocols 

• Oxytocin injections to stimulate uterine contractions and expel fluid 

• Pre-covering treatments for identified infections (mare not covered that heat) 

Cross-Cover Considerations: 

• Definition: second or multiple covers within one heat period 

• Why cross-covers often reduce conception rates through increased infection 

• Realistic fertility targets

• Factors affecting seasonal fertility: spring cold spells, end-of-season mare quality 

• Managing stallion workload and popularity 

Vulval Competence and Caslick's Operation: 

• The vulva as first barrier to uterine infection 

• Assessing competence: angle relative to ground (vertical optimal), labial seal quality, proportion above pelvic floor 

• Conformation versus age-related compromise 

• Caslick's surgical technique

• When surgical intervention improves fertility outcomes 

Early Pregnancy Scanning Protocol

Multiple Pregnancy Management

Pregnancy Loss Management

Delivery Method: Self-paced, online learning featuring veterinary videos, ultrasound scan footage and supported learning materials. 

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

Accreditation: BHA CPD accredited. 

Prerequisites: Courses 1-3 (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; £145.