Aim: Different types of extenders have a variety of components which show the tolerance effect on sperm protection during freezing procedures. In the present study, we have examined the impact of the extenders HF-20 and Tris, which were locally manufactured, and they are competing with commercial extenders INRA Freeze® (IMV Technologies, France) and EquiPlus Freeze® (Minitube, Germany) on the quality of horses frozen semen. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 ejaculates from three healthy stallions were collected and cryopreserved in the same environment. Each semen sample collected was divided into four equal parts and processed. All samples were analyzed before and after freezing for motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and morphology. Furthermore, twenty mares were inseminated using post-thawed semen. Results: There were no differences observed among all extenders in all the parameters before freezing. Sperm cryopreserved using HF-20 showed better motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity than Tris extender. The Tris extender showed the most inferior quality of post-thawed semen between all the extenders. HF-20, INRA Freeze®, and EquiPlus Freeze® extenders revealed the same capacity of semen preservation in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: HF-20 extender has the same quality as INRA Freeze® and EquiPlus Freeze® that can be considered as one of the best extenders for the semen cryopreservation in horses. In contrast, Tris extender needs some degree of improvement.

This review aims to highlight the usefulness of fecal progesterone metabolite analysis as a non-invasive technique in monitoring reproductive function in animals

This report presents a case of uterine prolapse in a Thoroughbred mare. The uterine prolapse occurred after abortion of twins in the eighth month of gestation. The prolapsed uterus was bleeding and congested but not damaged. The placenta was still attached to the endometrium. Blood samples were collected for hematology and for estimation of calcium, progesterone and estrogen. The cervix and clitoris were swabbed for bacteriology. The mare showed a decrease in the number of lymphocytes. The concentrations of estrogen and progesterone seemed normal compared with mares that foaled. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated. The prolapsed uterus was washed with warm normal saline, and the retained placenta was carefully removed. An antibiotic cream was spread on the prolapsed uterus before replacing it. Two-thirds of the upper vulva was transiently sutured. Systemic antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory were administrated for 5 days. After 24 hr, the sutures were removed, and uterine lavage was performed using warmed normal saline for three days. The mare received 20 IU of oxytocin twice a day for three days to aid uterine clearance. A local antibiotic was inserted into the uterus. After treatment, the mare did not show any health disorders. She entered estrus 9 days after abortion and again 10 days later. In conclusion, twin pregnancy in a mare is considered a critical condition that necessitates specific management during early and late pregnancy. Uterine prolapse is an emergency that should be treated in a skilled manner to protect the mare and her future fertility. Calcium deficiency might predispose mares to uterine prolapse.