BREEDING FORUM

Posted: **Wed Mar 08, 2017 17:42 pm**

In the Northern Hemisphere all thoroughbreds officially became a year older on 1st January every year. Is this a good idea? I feel that 1st March would be a more sensible date. When our foals are born early in the year, we are exposing them to the worst weather and the worst ground conditions. They get more box-time, less exercise and inferior milk as the winter grass (if there is any) has little nutritional value. The cost to the breeder is going to obviously be more for an early foal in terms of extra bedding and extra feed for the mare. We all know that in the Wild, the vast majority of mares foal in the springtime so why can’t be replicate nature in our Industry? There would be less need for artificial methods of bringing the mares cycle period forward (for example less need for the use of “lights”). Costs savings all round - healthier foals and happier mares - what is the problem?