1965-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1965 February Voice | Page 20

BREEDING HORSES Without question more diffi­ culty is experienced in breeding mares than any other kind of live­ stock. The percentage of mares bred that actually conceive each year will vary from 40 to a high of 85, with an average probably running less than 50; and some of this number will fail to produce living foals. This means that, on the average, two mares are kept a whole year in order to produce one foal. By contrast, nationally, 80 per cent of all beef cows that are bred calve; 90 to 94 per cent of ewes lamb; and 80 to 85 per cent of all sows bred farrow. The lower percentage conception in mares than in other classes of livestock is due primarily to the following; (1) research in the field has lagged. (2) we try to get mares bred in about 4 months instead of 12, and (3) we have arbitrarily limited our breeding season (late winter and early spring) to a per­ iod that at its best is only about 50 per cent in agreement with na­ ture. In the bluegrass country of Ken­ tucky, where there are both good horsemen and as desirable condi­ tions for breeding as can be se­ cured under domestication, 66 per­ cent foaling is considered as aver­ age for the area. Recognition of the following facts helps to increase the percentage of foals produced: 1. Mares bred in the late spring of the year are more likely to con­ ceive. If mares are bred out of sea­ son, spring conditions should be duplicated as nearly as possible. 2. Mares bred as three and four year olds and kept in regular pro­ 20 duction thereafter are more likely to conceive and produce living foals. 3. Infections or other unhealthy conditions of either the mare or stallion are not favorable for pro­ duction. 4. More conceptions will occur if the mare is bred at the proper time within the heat period. Usual­ ly mares bred just before going out of heat are more lkely to conceive. 5. Returning the mare to the stal­ lion for retrial or rebreeding is important. 6. Mares in foal should be fed and cared for properly so as to develop the young. Balance of proteins, minerals, and vitamins is impor­ tant. 7. It must also be remembered that old mares, overfat mares, or mares in a thin, run-down condi­ tion are less likely to be good breeders. Unfortunately, these con­ ditions frequently apply to mares that are bred following retirement from the race track or the show­ ring. A shift of the date of birth (the January 1 birthday, for purposes of racing and showing) to some­ where between March 1 and May 1 would improve conception rate and foaling percentage, simply be­ cause mares would be bred under more natural and ideal spring con­ ditions. Thus, it would have con­ siderable virtue from the stand­ point of the horse producer. On the other side of the ledger, however, it would create problems in racing and in registrations, both here and abroad. Also, such a deep-rooted tradition would be difficult to change; in fact, much considera­ tion has been given to this matter from time to time. In the final analysis, therefore, stepping-up breeding research and improved feeding and management are the primary avenues through which the deplorably low percentage foal crop may be improved. JACK MAIER, President Announcing The GREATER CINCINNATI HORSE SHOW at the CINCINNATI GARDENS (Indoor Stabling — Outdoor Tents) MAY 5-9, 1965 Saddle Horse—Three Gaited Five Gaited, Fine Harness Tennessee Walking, Parade Arabian, Hunter, Green Working Hunter, Junior Working Hunter Conformation Hunter, Jumper Saddle Seat Equitation, Roadster Ponies, Pony Hunter Hunt Seat Equitation Reg. Quarter Horse Three Gaited Pony For Information Write: A IRS. LEE EBERLE, JR. 613 Locust Corner Rd. Cincinnati 5, Ohio Phone: 231-4623 VOICE of The Tennessee Walking Horse