Well all, it's freezing outside, the complete opposite of the breeding season and here I am tell you all to starting thinking and planning for 2011 right now. It is time to start your lighting program. The research literature is pretty clear that mares need supplemental lighting to get them cycling earlier in the year. You need 60 days. You really cannot cut any corners on this. Sure there are some hormone treatments, but I really think this is the easiest for all. 14-16 hours of light is the needed dose and enough light to read a newspaper by in the stall where the horse is housed. So, since the sun is going out by 5, I suggest people have the lights turned on, and kept on at 4PM in the barn until about 9-11PM. I think 11PM is better. This will get your mares cycling by February. No, you may not want a January foal, BUT if your mare needs some attention, cultures, biopsies and the like, you get it done earlier. Pregnant mares that foal early, will cycle back, BUT if they did not have the light treatment they can shut down for 60 days right in March! Yuck! Stallions will also benefit by having increased sperm production with light as well.
If any have questions, please let me know. I look forward to a successful foaling and breeding season this coming year.
Justin T. Hayna, DVM, Dipl. ACT
