Objective: The objectives of this laboratory are to:

1. Learn the signs of impending parturition.
2. Observe parturition in five mares .

Before continuing with the lab, be sure to review the lectures on Parturition.

Terminology: There is some terminology that we must get straight in order to communicate effectively

• Stage 1 - The initial stage of parturition lasting from 30 min to 4 hr.
• Stage 2 - This stage begins after the chorioallantois breaks "water breaks" and can last from 10 to 60 min and concludes when the foal's hips pass through the cervix.
• Stage 3 - This stage is after the birth when the placenta is delivered. The placenta usually comes out when the mare stands or within 30 minutes to 3 hours. If the placenta is not delivered by 3 hr then a veterinarian should be contacted as the mare may develop a serious, life threatening infection.
• Waxing- The coagulation of the proteins as pre-milk secretion leaks out of the udder and dries to forms a wax-like secretion.
• Chorioallantois - The highly vascular extraembryonic membrane formed by the fusion of the allantois with the chorion that constitutes the placenta.
• Angel slippers - During gestation the ends of the hoofs are covered with a protective coating that is lost within a few hours of birth.
• Colostrum- The first milk produced by the mare is called colostrum and contains a large amount of antibodies in the form of IgG. The foal can absorb the antibodies through it's gut for the first 12 hours of life.
  

Laboratory Activities:

1. Movies of parturition: You will watch movies which show the stages of parturition.
2. Discussion activities:
   • Examine the Data/images 2007 - this is based on a series of mares we had foal in 2007 and bred in 2006. You will work in your breeding groups and create a google doc to work on and then submit in the assignment in canvas. As always, identify what you contributed.
   • Data is shown for milk color (expressed by hand), milk calcium, body temperature, vulva length, anus to vulva length.
     • What is physiologically going on with changes in these data over time.
     • How are animal hormone changes related to the events for which measurements were presented?
     • What were the series of procedures done both pre- and post-foaling and why?
     • If a specific product is mentioned, why?