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Reproductive Performance of Arabian and Thoroughbred Mares under Subtropical Conditions of Pakistan

  • Warriach, H.M. (School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University) ;
  • Memon, M.A. (Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University Pullman) ;
  • Ahmad, N. (Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences) ;
  • Norman, S.T. (School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University) ;
  • Ghafar, A. (Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences) ;
  • Arif, M. (Remount Veterinary and Farms Corps)
  • Received : 2013.08.29
  • Accepted : 2013.11.28
  • Published : 2014.07.01

Abstract

Breeding records of 57 Arabian and 66 Thoroughbred mares were analysed to assess their reproductive performance under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. The Arabian mares showed significantly higher conception rates (p<0.05) in second mated oestrus and foal heat mated oestrus compared to Thoroughbred mares. However, conception rates for first lifetime mated oestrus were similar in both breeds of mares. Age at first mating ($1,301{\pm}40$ vs $1,500{\pm}32$ days) was significantly (p<0.05) less in Arabian compared to Thoroughbred mares. Both breeds of mares showed significantly (p<0.05) higher frequencies of oestrous cycles and conception rates during the winter (October to March) compared to summer (June to August) months. Age of mares affected the conception rates, as mares at ages 3 to 7 and 8 to 12 years of ages had significantly higher conception rates (p<0.05) than those ${\geq}18$ years old in both breeds. This study demonstrates that i) reproductive performance in Arabians is better than Thoroughbred mares under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan, ii) mares remain cyclic throughout the year and iii) conception rates were higher in mares bred during winter compared to summer months.

Keywords

References

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