The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea

Advancing the estrous cycle of mares is an essential breeding strategy that is routinely conducted by Thoroughbred breeders to improve economic outcomes. For this purpose, Equilume light masks have been developed as an alternative to existing technologies such as artificial lighting or hormonal trea...

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Main Authors: Gaeun Lee, Heejun Jung, Minjung Yoon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Korean Society of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2020-06-01
Series:Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.e-jarb.org/journal/view.html?uid=2534&vmd=Full
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author Gaeun Lee
Heejun Jung
Minjung Yoon
author_facet Gaeun Lee
Heejun Jung
Minjung Yoon
author_sort Gaeun Lee
collection DOAJ
description Advancing the estrous cycle of mares is an essential breeding strategy that is routinely conducted by Thoroughbred breeders to improve economic outcomes. For this purpose, Equilume light masks have been developed as an alternative to existing technologies such as artificial lighting or hormonal treatments because they are considered as valid as existing methods with additional animal welfare advantages. For example, with the Equilume light masks, horses can be let out into the pasture, whereas they have to be kept indoors during lighting treatment. Because the function of Equilume light mask on the estrous cycle of mares is influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition condition and temperature, Equilume light mask should be studied in various environments. The objective of the present study was thus to verify the effect of Equilume light masks on the onset of the estrous cycle in Thoroughbred mares in South Korea. Mares were randomly selected and separated into two groups at two Thoroughbred horse breeding farms. The mares in the treatment group were equipped with Equilume light masks from November 18 to February 10 the following year. The body condition, the number and size (> 35 mm) of uterine follicles, and the uterine horn score of the mares were assessed on January 6 and February 10. The body condition scores were not different between the two groups. The treatment with the Equilume light mask had no positive effects on developing follicles and the reproductive tract. In conclusion, the use of Equilume light masks did not influence the seasonal resumption of the estrus cycles in Thoroughbred mares in South Korea.
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spelling doaj.art-89a292736c9d45978cf928a2862b11bd2022-12-22T02:39:39ZengThe Korean Society of Animal Reproduction and BiotechnologyJournal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology2671-46392671-46632020-06-0135217117610.12750/JARB.35.2.171The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South KoreaGaeun Lee0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7910-8492Heejun Jung1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9608-1412Minjung Yoon2https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9112-1796Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, KoreaDepartment of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, KoreaDepartment of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, KoreaAdvancing the estrous cycle of mares is an essential breeding strategy that is routinely conducted by Thoroughbred breeders to improve economic outcomes. For this purpose, Equilume light masks have been developed as an alternative to existing technologies such as artificial lighting or hormonal treatments because they are considered as valid as existing methods with additional animal welfare advantages. For example, with the Equilume light masks, horses can be let out into the pasture, whereas they have to be kept indoors during lighting treatment. Because the function of Equilume light mask on the estrous cycle of mares is influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition condition and temperature, Equilume light mask should be studied in various environments. The objective of the present study was thus to verify the effect of Equilume light masks on the onset of the estrous cycle in Thoroughbred mares in South Korea. Mares were randomly selected and separated into two groups at two Thoroughbred horse breeding farms. The mares in the treatment group were equipped with Equilume light masks from November 18 to February 10 the following year. The body condition, the number and size (> 35 mm) of uterine follicles, and the uterine horn score of the mares were assessed on January 6 and February 10. The body condition scores were not different between the two groups. The treatment with the Equilume light mask had no positive effects on developing follicles and the reproductive tract. In conclusion, the use of Equilume light masks did not influence the seasonal resumption of the estrus cycles in Thoroughbred mares in South Korea.http://www.e-jarb.org/journal/view.html?uid=2534&vmd=Fullequilume light maskestrushorseovulationseasonality
spellingShingle Gaeun Lee
Heejun Jung
Minjung Yoon
The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea
Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
equilume light mask
estrus
horse
ovulation
seasonality
title The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea
title_full The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea
title_fullStr The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea
title_full_unstemmed The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea
title_short The effect of Equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of Thoroughbred mares in South Korea
title_sort effect of equilume light masks on the timing of seasonal ovulation of thoroughbred mares in south korea
topic equilume light mask
estrus
horse
ovulation
seasonality
url http://www.e-jarb.org/journal/view.html?uid=2534&vmd=Full
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