OBSERVATIONS AND PROCEDURES AT FOALING ON A THOROUGHBRED STUD *

Summary The behaviour and management of Thoroughbred mares prior to, and at foaling time, is detailed. There is a discussion of the losses that occur at birth, traumatic injuries to the mares, and the subsequent treatment of these. The postnatal behavioural patterns of the mare emphasise that she must be isolated at foaling. The normal feeding of the foal and the consequences of this not occurring, the lack of normal bowel function, and the retention of the foetal membranes by the mare are postnatal conditions likely to cause most losses.