A research study from Australia examined pregnancy failures in Thoroughbred mares and identified an unexpected protective factor: vaccination against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
Study Overview
Researchers collected data from six stud farms in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, analyzing 810 pregnant broodmares. The study included 59 abortion cases and 120 control mares that carried pregnancies to term. Pregnancy loss was categorized into early (46–150 days), mid (151–270 days), and late (270+ days) stages.
Key Findings
- Most pregnancy losses occurred late in gestation (at or after 270 days)
- Lost full-term foals represented approximately 25% of all pregnancy failures
- Mare age and previous pregnancy failures did not predict future loss
- Control mares had almost six times higher odds of being vaccinated against Salmonella Typhimurium than mares experiencing loss
Recommendations
Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist, advised that supporting pregnant mares requires appropriate biosecurity as well as routine veterinary examinations combined with balanced nutrition and omega-3 supplementation to support immune function.
Relevance to Hemp
Hemp-derived products play an emerging role in equine nutrition and care. Hemp seed meal provides a high-quality protein source rich in essential amino acids, while hemp-based bedding offers superior absorbency and dust-free properties. This research underscores the importance of comprehensive health management in equine agriculture — a sector where hemp products are gaining traction.