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Estrous cycle variability differs among species, but cycles are typically more frequent in smaller animals. Even within species significant variability can be observed, thus cats may undergo an estrous cycle of 3 to 7 weeks. [15] Domestication can affect estrous cycles due to changes in the environment.
The estrous cycle (also spelled oestrous) controls when a mare is sexually receptive toward a stallion, and helps to physically prepare the mare for conception. It generally occurs during the spring and summer months, although some mares may be sexually receptive into the late fall, and is controlled by the photoperiod (length of the day), the ...
Foals are usually born in the spring. The estrous cycle of a mare occurs roughly every 19–22 days and occurs from early spring into autumn. Most mares enter an anestrus period during the winter and thus do not cycle in this period. [54] Foals are generally weaned from their mothers between four and six months of age. [55]
Female seasonal breeders will have one or more estrus cycles only when she is "in season" or fertile and receptive to mating. At other times of the year, they will be anestrus, or have a dearth of their sexual cycle. Unlike reproductive cyclicity, seasonality is described in both males and females.
The mare's reproductive system is responsible for controlling gestation, birth, and lactation, as well as her estrous cycle and mating behavior. It lies ventral to the 4th or 5th lumbar vertebrae, although its position within the mare can vary depending on the movement of the intestines and distention of the bladder.
This period of advertised fertility is known as oestrus, "estrus" or heat. [9] In species that experience estrus, females are generally only receptive to copulation while they are in heat [9] (dolphins are an exception). [10] In the estrous cycles of most placentals, if no fertilization takes place, the uterus reabsorbs the endometrium.
In a harem model, the mares may "cycle" or achieve estrus more readily. Proponents of natural management also assert that mares are more likely to become pregnant in a natural herd setting. Some stallion managers keep a stallion with a mare herd year-round, others will only turn a stallion out with mares during the breeding season. [10]
A broodmare. Note slight distension of belly, indicating either early pregnancy or recent foaling. A mare is an adult female horse or other equine. [1] In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse three and younger.