This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 2/7/01 8:12:57 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< I never really understood this arrangement. Why is it the stallions responsibility to guarantee a live foal, especially up to 24hrs. post foaling? Once the mare conceives the stallion should be off the hook. If the mare loses the pregnancy it is most likely a problem with her. Why should the stallion owner be burdened with the time and expense of another breeding? Once the mare is checked in foal with ultrasound by a veterinarian the breeding guarantee should end there. I think the live foal guarantee is just a tradition that dates back before the days of modern reproductive science. A live foal then assured the stallion had done his job (especially in the days when breeding was all live cover). Now that we have techniques to evaluate semen and ultrasound to ensure a good pregnancy, I feel the live foal guarantee is obsolete. Instead we should have a conception guarantee. IMHO Steve Steve, I couldn't agree with you more!! That has been my policy for a number of years. IMHO once I get a mare in foal, I and my stallions have accomplished our mission. Some owners do not properly care for their mares, don't give Pneumabort - K, etc. Why then should the burden be that of the stallion owner? My breeding contract says that the mare must be given Pneumabort - K at the proper intervals. I ultrasound at 15 days and recommend that she be rechecked at 45 days. However, I cannot police owners to make sure that they uphold their end of the agreement?! I have been a breeder and stallion owner for a number of years with Fjords as well as other breeds. My stallions have all had good quality semen. Whenever I've had trouble, 100% of the time it has been due to problems with the mare - uterine infection, urine pooling, hormone imbalances, mare not cycling correctly, cystic ovaries - the list goes on. I've spent up to 4 years trying to get some mares in foal. GRRR! I must say, however, those were mostly Quarter Horses. The Fjords have proven to be much more fertile and have given me far fewer gray hairs. Since breeding season is not far away, just wanted to shed a little light on this subject from the stallion owners viewpoint. Thanks for bringing up the subject, Steve! Gayle Ware Field of Dreams Eugene, OR www.fjordhorse.com
