Comparative examinations of the expulsion time of the foetal membranes in various horse breeds

Being the most important link between the foetus and the dam, the placenta has a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of gestation and in ensuring foetal well-being and development. Despite the fact that placental anomalies markedly affect the status of the foal and the mare, thorough and critical assessment of the intrauterine and postpartum placental parameters are often neglected. The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of placental examination. Data from 106 pregnancies in 5 different breeds were collected, analyzed and interpreted in the light of most recent publications. The mean +/- SD time of the placental passage in Kisberi, Gidran, Hungarian draft, Thoroughbred and Arabians were 41 +/- 32.330, 45.67 +/- 39.727, 310.55 +/- 351.442, 33.04 +/- 17.750 and 56.86 +/- 20.292 respectively.