Length of gestation periods of horses and ponies belonging to different breedsDurée de gestation des juments de différentes races de chevaux et de poneysTragezeiten von stuten verschiedener pferde- und ponyrassen |
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Authors: | H. Bos G.J.W. van der Mey |
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Affiliation: | Vakgroep Zoötechniek, Yalelaan 17, Utrecht The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | The mean gestation periods of mares belonging to different horse and pony breeds common in The Netherlands have been calculated using data from the birth registers of five stud-book societies. The following mean values have been determined: Fjord pony: 342.2; Haflinger pony: 341.3; Draught horse: 343.3; Shetland pony: 337.2; and Frisian horse: 337.7 days. The variation in the mean gestation period is greater in horses than in cows, sheep or pigs. Colts are carried a little longer than fillies. Differences between years are not significant, but differences between the various breeds have been determined. Shetland foals born before 1 June are carried longer than those born after 1 June. The gestation period for mares of this breed mated at 2 years, is significantly longer than for those mated at more than 2 years.The length of the gestation period in horses is possibly affected by physiological factors other than those influencing the gestation period in some other farm animals. |
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