Older Maidens

[Taya]

Just wondering if there is a certain age when maiden mares fertility decreases due to not having a foal at a younger age. For example I dont want to breed some of my maidens till they are about 6 years old will this make it alot harder leaving them till this age?

Also if you have large gaps between foals ie if a mare had a foal at 4 years of age then you didnt want to breed her again till say 10 years does not having "regular" foals make it harder when you do eventually try to put her in foal again??

Thanks

 

[Nathan Luszcz]

When you get into your teens, yes, maidens loose their fertility. You also increase the risk... sperm can get in an old and tight cervix, but the foal can have trouble getting out. As the mare ages her cervix looses its elasticity and becomes more fibrotic.

Usually mares don't have any real fertility problems (that are age related) until they hit the mid teens.

 

[Taya]

Thanks Nathan