University of wisconsin-madison

Extrinsic Factors

Factors external to the mare which cause early embryonic loss are:

  • Stress: causes decreased progesterone leading to pregnancy loss
  • Seasonal: hot and humid conditions lead to increased loss
  • Sire effects: anecdotal
  • Nutrition: only severe starvation will lead to early pregnancy loss

Transrectal palpation and ultrasound do not lead to increased pregnancy loss

next back

Extrinsic causes

Intrinsic causes