Analytic Study of Maternal Behaviour in Arabian Mares

Abubaker, Samar Omar; Matoock, Mohamed Yousef; Abdel Gawad, Essam Mostafa

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2024.274598.1894

Analytic Study of Maternal Behaviour in Arabian Mares

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt

10.21608/ejvs.2024.274598.1894

Abstract

This study was conducted on 30 pregnant Arabian mares from El Zahra Arab Stud in Egypt and aim of this study is complete analysis of maternal behavior in mares and studying the factors affect the gestation length also analysis of some hormones related to maternal behavior. For each mare the gestation length (GL) and circadian rhythm of foaling were recorded. Obtained results revealed that the gestation length recorded 317 to 338 days with an average of 327 d,there was a difference in (GL) between multiparous (327.5d) and primiparous (324 d) and male (319.5 d), female (327.5d) , foaling time was recorded 70 % of mares foaled AM at 14.00 to 17.00 hours, and 30 % of mares give birth PM at 3.00 to 9.00 hours.
The three stages of parturition were analyzed by direct observation and by video tape analysis. Blood sample were taken directly after parturition and subjected to hormonal assay for progesterone and prolactin analysis.
Mare - foal relationship was thoroughly investigated (smelling, licking, nursing, and vocalization ). Maternal behavior revealed that latency of time of mother to first contact with foal, first lick and first feeding was 10,50, 12 and 16,44 minute post partum respectively. the umbilical cord was cut after standing of the mare 12 minute pp. Foal behavior recorded latency of time to first attempt to stand, successful standing,first suckle and passing of meconium within 5.15 m, 105 ,110 ,12 minute postpartum respectively. Suckling bout and Frequency of suckling recorded ( time / hour ) during first 24 , 48, 72 , 96 , 120 hour respectively.

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