Breeding Horses: Heat (Estrus) Detection, Ovulation Prediction, Insemination Timing, and Pregnancy Diagnosis
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

To get the most out of this article you should first understand the reproductive pattern of mares, more.

The determination of heat (estrus), ovulation, and pregnancy in a broodmare is an important aspect of any breeding program. With natural service and a available stallion these can be determined, on most mares, with a well run teasing program. With the increased use of artificial insemination (AI) many breeding mares today are on farms where there is no stallion on site to constantly tease mares. Even when there is a stallion and good teasing practices are used, a percentage (appx. 10%) of normal mares may be difficult to tell when in heat. The accurate timing of insemination and the early detection of non-pregnant mares helps prevent a late season foal or a missed season all together. Even when a stallion is present, accurate ovulation prediction can help reduce breeding pressure on a stallion and increase the number of mares a stallion can cover in a season.

This article discusses the various techniques available to the horseman and veterinarian for heat (estrus) detection, ovulation prediction, and insemination timing in equines and their relative advantages and disadvantages. Links to related articles and scientific reports are also present.

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