Page 438 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Reproductive system: 2.1 The female reproductive tr act 413

VetBooks.ir 2.9 2.10

Fig. 2.9 Ultrasonographic
image of an ovary of a mare
in oestrus showing a large
developing follicle. (Photo
courtesy Tracey Chenier)

Fig. 2.10 Ultrasonographic
image of an ovarian follicle
just prior to ovulation.
(Photo courtesy Tracey
Chenier)

2.11 2.12

Fig. 2.11 Ultrasonographic
image of an ovarian follicle
during ovulation. (Photo
courtesy Tracey Chenier)

Fig. 2.12 Ultrasonographic
image of an ovarian follicle
just after ovulation has
occurred. (Photo courtesy
Tracey Chenier)

EXAMINATION OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT

A breeding soundness examination (BSE) is per- • Age: >12 years of age.
formed in the mare to determine a mare’s suitability • Examination before undertaking expensive artificial
as a broodmare and to identify causes of infertil- insemination (AI) (especially frozen semen)/embryo
ity. Certain parts of the examination are routinely transfer programme (donors and recipients).
performed during the breeding season as part of • Repeat breeder.
the monitoring of the appropriate breeding time in • Repeated early embryonic death.
normal mares. Some indications for a BSE are listed • Problem foaling.
below: • History of endometritis/metritis.
• Prepurchase examination of a breeding mare.