In this week's blog, we take a closer look at the mare's heat cycle and balance. For most mares, the first heat of the year is often the most intense. This blog was written by NAF, a company that sells supplemental feeds specifically for horses. NAF has focused on Five Star Oestress in this blog!
What is the heat?
Most mares are seasonally fertile, they have evolved to have their foals in the spring. That is because in spring plants have the most energy and foals can be best cared for. This gives the foals the best chance of survival in their first winter, as they are older and more robust by then.
For this reason, most mares do not have their heat in winter. Research has shown that only up to 25% of mares in the northern hemisphere get in heat all year.
Mares that do not have a cycle in winter go through a transition period at the end of winter and beginning of spring before having the regular 21-day cycle, which repeats until the end of summer/beginning of fall. This is why the first heat of the year can be so intense.
How will it affect your mare?
The transition process can affect your mare in a variety of ways, from subtle changes to major, substantial changes in the mare's performance.
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Observed behavior
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Cause
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The mare is clearly in heat
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Increased levels of estrogen in the body due to ovaries being in transition.
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Unstable behavior
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Estrogen-producing follicles grow and shrink during the transition period, causing hormone levels to fluctuate.
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Prolonged heat
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The follicles may be large for several weeks before ovulating at the end of the transition period.
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Reluctance to do more difficult exercises under saddle
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Fluctuating estrogen levels can lead to disobedient behavior.
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Reduced focus and concentration
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Caused by hormonal fluctuations.
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Discomfort under the saddle, tense muscles in the hindquarters
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Growth of follicles may cause pain in ovaries.
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What is the best way to help your mare?
For physical problems, a natural approach is often the best. It is important to keep the mare in her normal herd or company, combined with regular grazing, exercise and light training. Feeding can also play an important role, and a high-fiber diet is often beneficial. For mares that need to perform, special feeding that is safe, natural and supports natural ovulation is recommended.
Are there any stressors at this time such as transport, is the mare standing alone, is she in pain? It is important to make sure there are as few stressors as possible. Something you may not think about right away is the air quality in the barn. Being outside in the fresh air is obviously best for all horses.
By nature, the mare's hormonal cycle is controlled by the length of the days. The heat starts again when the days are long enough. If your mare is kept in artificial light and does not experience the influence of natural day length, this can disrupt the hormonal cycle.
Medications such as antibiotics can throw the gut flora out of balance. This in turn can also affect how your mare responds to the heat.
How can NAF Five Star Oestress support hormones and behavior?
NAF's Oestress Liquid is a fast acting liquid supplement which supports the mare's natural oestrus cycle by encouraging regularity and providing extracts of herbal ingredientsas well as the benefits of monk's pepper to support hormone balance. The formula is rich in antioxidants and helps the body eliminate waste products from the body. Oestress is rich in natural antioxidants to naturally support a healthy system and provides naturally available magnesium to relax muscle tension and encourage calmness. As a result, your mare experiences less hormonal fluctuations and therefore remains more constant in her performance, and this in every phase of her cycle.
Do you want to try the supplement? Throughout April you can save 20% on NAF Five Star Oestress 1L. This is your chance to try Oestress at a great price!