David Freeman, Oklahoma State University
On horse farms, the breeding shed is perhaps the most important place for accurate record keeping. Records are needed for breeding management, estimating foaling dates, and evaluating breeding performance. Record evaluation is essential in decision making. The type and detail of records depends on the management of breeding practices on each farm. Farms that breed a small number of mares by live cover without palpation or ultrasound will have different needs than farms breeding large numbers using artificial insemination and palpation or ultrasound.
Key Points to Note
• Records provide information for decisions on which mares to breed and when a mare is most likely to conceive if bred.
• Records from a mare's past breeding season aid in preparing her for breeding and allow the manager to more accurately predict her breeding status.
• Records are used to evaluate the level of success in producing foals and the need for changes in breeding management activities.
• Records should provide accurate information that is clearly understood and readily accessible.
• For clarity and consistency, it is recommended that one person be responsible for record keeping during the breeding season.
• The design of records should allow ease of cross referencing from one to another (i.e., breeding record referenced to palpation record).
• The design should minimize time spent recording, without jeopardizing accuracy and detail.
• Larger farms should strongly consider computer programs for record keeping.
