The Effects of Lactation and Body Condition Score Changes on Embryonic Death Rates in KWPN Mares

Embriyonic deaths (ED) are one of the most important economic losses in breeding mares. Energy deficit and hormonal changes in the lactating mare is expected to increase the incidence of embriyonic deaths. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the liability of ED from lactation and body condition score changes during breeding season in KWPN (Koninklijk Warmbloed Paard Nederland) mares, on which there are a limited number of studies about the reproductive properties in this breed. At the onset of reproductive activity inception in lactation, average body condition score (BCS) was  7.44 ± 0.24, until the second estrous cycle postpartum it was decreased (6.89 ± 0.20), and by the end of the breeding season  upward tendency (6.96 ± 0.18) was observed. In the non-lactating mares the average BCS was 6.33 ± 0.21, continuously rising until the end of the breeding season (7.17 ± 0.31). The rate of embryonic deaths were 25.58% in lactating mares (11/43). In the non-lactating mares, total of 16 pregnancies were recorded in any of the embryonic mortality was observed. As a result, the decrease in embryonic death occurred in body weight and BCS, depending on the energy loss in lactating mares KWPN was concluded to be remarkable factors with increasing incidence. Therefore the reproductive status of the mares in the generative approach has been demonstrated that a strategy should be kept in mind strongly.