Procedures to Optimise Fertility Before Covering

Course Title: Procedures to Optimise Fertility Before Covering 
Programme: Getting the Mare in Foal Programme (Course 3) 

Overview: 
This online course focuses on the management techniques and veterinary procedures used to prepare mares for breeding and optimise timing for conception. Learners will also explore industry-standard protocols that aim to maximise fertility rates through strategic preparation and covering timing. 

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: 

• Understand the processes which might be used in autumn to aid fertility in the following season 

• See how ultrasound scanners are used to visualise the genital tract 

• Know how lights might be used to encourage mares out of anoestrus 

• Understand the key industry recommendations for the control of disease in breeding stock 

• Recognise the importance of good biosecurity when breeding horses 

• Understand how to identify threats to welfare and fertility when mating thoroughbreds 

• Know the factors to consider before deciding that a mare is fit to cover 

Course Content: 

Autumn Preparation: 

• Extended daylight protocols: artificial lighting (16 hours, 1600 lumens) versus blue light technology  

• Nutritional management: body condition scoring and rising plane of nutrition 

• Autumn examinations: uterine biopsies and hysteroscopy for problem mares 

• Hormone treatments for transitional mares: oral progestogens, PRIDs, GnRH limitations 

Pre-Season Screening: 

• HBLB International Code of Practice and NSFA Regulations compliance 

• Video endoscopy of the uterus

• Required tests: clitoral swabs, EVA and EIA blood samples 

• Venereal disease detection: CEM (Taylorella equigenitalis), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, EHV, EVA 

• Stallion and teaser screening  

• Certificate validity and re-testing requirements 

Teasing: 

• The role of courtship behaviour in mare readiness for mating 

• Oxytocin production and timing benefits 

• Bouncing for nervous maiden mares 

• Safe teasing practices and facilities 

Pre-Service Procedures: 

• Visual vulval examination: coital exanthema detection and accessibility checks 

• Endometrial swab collection through speculum during oestrus 

• Laboratory testing: culture, sensitivity, cytology (endometrial smear), PCR 

• Common uterine infections: E. coli, Streptococcus zooepidemicus 

Ultrasound Scanning: 

• Rectal ultrasonography technique and image interpretation 

• Uterine assessment: fluid (infection indicator), air (susceptibility marker), cysts, oestrous pattern/oedema 

• Ovarian monitoring: follicle growth (4-5cm), softening, movement to ovulation fossa 

• Uterine tone and involution assessment for foal heat decisions 

• Timing coverings within 24 hours before predicted ovulation 

Strategic Hormone Use: 

• Pre-covering LH or GnRH/GnRH agonist to encourage ovulation 

• Short-cycling with prostaglandin to shorten dioestrus 

• Lactational anoestrus treatment with dopamine antagonists 

• Regulatory considerations for oestrogen administration 

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

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

Accreditation: BHA CPD accredited.

Prerequisites: Courses 1 and 2 (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 Before Covering; £145.