Parturition in the multiparous mare fed to obesity

At 40 to 75 days of pregnancy, 20 multiparous mares of Quarter Horse breeding were blocked by expected foaling date and assigned to one of two treatment groups such that average age, body weight, body condition and percent body fat were similar between groups. Body condition was evaluated using a scoring system based on visual appraisal and palpable fat cover, with scores ranging from 1 to 9. Percent body fat was estimated by ultrasonographic scanning of rump fat thickness. The two treatment groups were: 1) control—fed to maintain and foal at a moderate condition (condition score 5.5 to 7.0) and 2) obese— fed to achieve and foal at an extremely high degree of body fatness (condition score 9). Condition score (p<0.001), body weight (p<0.01) and percent body fat (p<0.05) were greater for obese compared to control mares prior to and following parturition. Gestation was not affected by treatment. Parturition was observed and video taped from a raised platform located outside of a foaling stall. The duration of stages II and III of parturition, all intermediate times, the interval from birth of the foal to standing and nursing, and the degree of cervical and vaginal bruising incurred during parturition were not different between treatment groups. Foal birth weights and placenta weights did not differ between treatment groups, however, the nonfoal/non-placenta weight loss was greater in obese compared to control mares (33.2 vs 17.4 kg, SE = 3.6, p<0.05). Excessive body fat stored during gestation in the multiparous mare was not detrimental to parturition.