Foetal Sex Determination is one of the hottest topics in breeding

“Foetal Sex Determination is one of the hottest topics throughout the equine reproduction world this year,” stated Dr Kevin Doyle, Veterinary Surgeon of In Equine Practice at Scone NSW in the ‘Benefits from Knowing Foetal Sex at Sales Time.’

“As breeders appreciate the colossal returns made from foetal sexing and not just have luck determine whether or not your mare is carrying a colt or a filly,” continued Dr Doyle.

“Whether or not you buy or sell value at broodmare, weanling or yearling sales, whether or not to book her to the same or a different stallion next season, simply whether or not you make a wise decision.”

Dr Doyle points out “the window of opportunity to focus on Foetal Sex Determination is anytime from 60 days to 275 days after the last service.”

“Avoid is the 76 to105 day period as it’s the most difficult and challenging to recognise genitalia because of their immaturity. However, with advanced skill and experience it can be done.”

“From mid-January to mid-May is the best time for foetal sexing on Australian stud farms and is not upsetting to the present management practices of staff and sale commitments.”

“Allow 5-10 minutes per mare and batches of 30 mares can be determined daily. Mares should be presented in a crush or safe area, preferably with darkened lighting to abolish reflections and glare.”

Dr Doyle went onto state “statistics show from the past 16 years of thoroughbred yearling sales in Australia and New Zealand that colts are consistently 30% more valuable than the fillies at all levels of gross, average, median and decile ratings.”

“The gross figures show the millions of dollars difference annually, and the decile ratings reflect the higher value of colts over fillies is consistent from the top 10% to the bottom 10% of yearlings.”

“This difference translates for breeders that a yearling colt depending on its breeding may be worth between over $1 million down to a few thousand dollars more than a yearling filly. Figures show that the auction houses put on offer a ratio of 70% colts to 30% fillies to fulfill the buying bench demand.”

“The most important criteria for a yearling to be eligible for sale is pedigree, as most racehorses pass through a yearling sale it means that only the better pedigreed horses can race.”

“If your yearling doesn’t have a pedigree good enough for a yearling sale then you have few viable options for its future as a racehorse, and it becomes a wastage statistic. Upwards of 30% wastage of colts and a 70% wastage of fillies exist before they are broken in to race each year.”

“The thoroughbred industry is going to be very hard hit due to the coronavirus crisis. Stud masters are patiently reviewing developing situation and the outcomes of the Australian Easter Yearling Sale and the Gold Coast Magic Millions Broodmare Sales, before announcing their service fees.”

“Breeders will be eager to move on and get their enthusiasm in motion for what to do with their broodmares next season. Nobody can predict how soon the industry will recover but we can assume at best it might resemble the events that followed the Global Financial Crisis of 2008/2009.”

“Fewer mares will be bred this season and wise breeders will make sure that their mares going to stud have a pedigree good enough to ensure that the future progeny of colt or filly will be acceptable to a yearling sale.”

“During this coronavirus crisis we expect the best pedigreed yearlings and broodmares will be sold for reduced prices and deals will be made to keep the industry viable. Stud masters may consider separate service fees based on the sex of resultant pregnancy, say 100% for colts and 70% for fillies.”

EQUINE FOETAL SEX can be determined from 60 days post ovulation onwards at any time in the prenatal period.

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