
As a horse owner, you want the best possible care for your equine companion. That's why CSU's equine reproduction expertise is a game-changer. With a team of renowned specialists, you can trust that your horse is in good hands.
CSU's equine reproduction program is one of the most respected in the country, with a strong focus on research and education. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and equipment ensure that your horse receives the most advanced care.
Whether your horse is a champion competitor or a beloved companion, CSU's equine reproduction expertise can help you achieve your goals. From breeding and foaling to reproductive health and management, the university's experts have the knowledge and experience to help you succeed.
Additional reading: Horse Hoof Care Products
Equine Reproduction Basics
Mares are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they can breed year-round, but their reproductive cycles are influenced by daylight hours.
A mare's estrous cycle typically lasts around 21-24 days, with ovulation occurring on the 14th to 16th day.
Breeding can occur naturally or artificially through artificial insemination.
A mare's reproductive system is designed to conceive and carry a single foal per year.
A foal develops from a fertilized egg that implants in the mare's uterus around 4-6 days after ovulation.
The gestation period for horses is approximately 320-340 days.
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Breeding Services in Longmont & Sedalia
At CSU Equine Reproduction, we prioritize the health and safety of your mare and foal. Both our North and South locations offer breeding and reproductive health services.
Our North location in Longmont provides top-notch care for your horse's reproductive needs. Keeping your mare and foal safe and healthy is our top priority.
We have a South location in Sedalia that offers similar services, ensuring that every horse receives the best possible care.
For more insights, see: Canine Reproduction Services
Foal Care
Foal care is a top priority at our equine reproduction program. We use IgG snap tests to measure the level of passive immunity transfer through the consumption of colostrum right after the foal is born.
The first two weeks of life are the most crucial for ensuring the health of the foal. We stock HiGamm plasma to administer to foals in the event of a failure of passive transfer.
We also use Serum Amyloid A tests after every foaling to detect infection before clinical signs appear.
How We Track Your Mare
Tracking your mare's pregnancy and foaling process is a crucial part of ensuring a healthy foal. We have several diagnostic tools to monitor the mare's pregnancy, including periodic progesterone level checks to ensure she will carry the foal to term.
Progesterone levels are a key indicator of a mare's pregnancy, and we check them regularly to ensure everything is on track.
Milk calcium testing on site can also help determine the mare's foaling time, giving us a better idea of when to expect the foal to arrive.
Caring for a Foal
The first two weeks of a foal's life are the most crucial for ensuring their health.
We conduct IgG snap tests right after birth to measure the level of passive immunity transferred through colostrum consumption.
If a foal fails to receive enough passive immunity, we have HiGamm plasma on hand to administer.
Serum Amyloid A tests are run after every foaling to detect potential infections before symptoms appear.
Advanced Reproduction Techniques
At Colorado State University, researchers and clinicians have a long history of advancing equine reproduction techniques. This expertise is particularly evident in the field of equine embryo transfer.
The university offers a course on equine embryo transfer, which covers the latest methods and best practices in the field. Lectures include donor mare management, embryo collection procedures, and embryo evaluation.
Here are the key topics covered in the course:
- Management of Embryo Donors
- Embryo Collection Procedures
- Evaluation of Equine Embryos
- Recipient Mare Management
- Transfer of Equine Embryos
- Cooled-Transported Embryos
- Problems Encountered in Equine Embryo Transfer
- Embryo Vitrification
Embryo vitrification, also known as cryopreservation, is a technique that allows for the preservation of embryos for future use.
Sperm Accumulation Syndrome in Stallions
Sperm Accumulation Syndrome in Stallions can have a significant impact on breeding success.

Semen collected from stallions with this condition after a week or more of sexual rest will contain very high numbers of sperm.
A majority of the sperm will be dead, which can lead to poor fertilization rates and reduced reproductive efficiency.
This condition highlights the importance of proper stallion management and regular semen collection to maintain optimal fertility.
By understanding and addressing Sperm Accumulation Syndrome, breeders can improve the chances of successful breeding and reduce the risk of reproductive complications.
Equine Embryo Transfer
Equine Embryo Transfer is a fascinating field that has been extensively researched and practiced at Colorado State University, which has a long history of research, clinical service, and continuing education in equine reproduction, specifically in the area of embryo transfer.
The goal of equine embryo transfer is to provide up-to-date, clinically relevant information on the process. Lectures cover various aspects, including donor mare management, embryo collection procedures, and embryo evaluation.
Donor mare management is crucial in ensuring the success of the embryo transfer process. Colorado State University emphasizes the importance of proper management of embryo donors.
Embryo collection procedures involve the careful removal of the embryo from the donor mare. This process requires expertise and precision.
Recipient mare management is also vital in the embryo transfer process. The recipient mare must be carefully selected and managed to ensure a successful pregnancy.
The transfer of equine embryos is a delicate process that requires skill and experience. Colorado State University provides instruction on the art of transferring embryos.
Cooled transport of embryos is another important aspect of equine embryo transfer. This process allows for the transportation of embryos over long distances while maintaining their viability.
Problems encountered in equine embryo transfer can be significant, but with proper training and experience, many of these challenges can be overcome.
Embryo vitrification, also known as cryopreservation, is a technique used to preserve embryos for future use. This process has revolutionized the field of equine embryo transfer.
Here is a list of the key aspects of equine embryo transfer:
- Management of Embryo Donors
- Embryo Collection Procedures
- Evaluation of Equine Embryos
- Recipient Mare Management
- Transfer of Equine Embryos
- Cooled-Transported Embryos
- Problems Encountered in Equine Embryo Transfer
- Embryo Vitrification
Fire Destroys CSU Veterinary College Center
A devastating fire ripped through Colorado State University's Equine Reproduction Laboratory office building on July 26, forcing the relocation of at least 20 horses.
The fire was a total loss, with damages estimated between $9 million and $15 million.
The 6,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1979, underwent three expansions and renovations during its history, the last in early 2004.
Twenty-foot flames were coming through the roof when firefighters arrived, and they remained on scene throughout the night, extinguishing hotspots.
The building was used for teaching, demonstrations, offices, and research, and the university is now looking to place the dozen or so employees who worked there in other offices and laboratories around campus.
Reproductive services offered by the university, such as artificial insemination and semen collection, will still be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the breeding type in equine reproduction?
Equine reproduction involves three main breeding types: live cover, chilled AI, and frozen AI, with live cover being the only accepted method for Thoroughbred breeding. The choice of breeding type depends on the horse type and desired outcome.
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