
Vaccination programs should follow a continuous, year-round schedule and consider local health problems. Vaccination against rhinopneumonitis should be performed at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation. Vaccines that require annual boosters should be administered 4–6 weeks before the mare’s due date to stimulate the dam to produce antibodies that will be transferred to the foal via the colostrum ( see Table: Example of Vaccination Schedule for Broodmares Example of Vaccination Schedule for Broodmares ). Detailed information regarding current vaccination recommendations is available from the AAEP. Colostrum should be ingested in the first 24 hours of life to effectively provide passive transfer of immunoglobulins.
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Also see pet health content regarding routine health care for horses Routine Health Care of Horses In addition to properly feeding and exercising your horse, other aspects of general care are needed to keep your horse healthy throughout his or her life. These include routine veterinary care... read more and the breeding and reproduction of horses Breeding and Reproduction of Horses Mares reach puberty at about 18 months of age and undergo an estrous, or heat, cycle. Mares go into heat repeatedly during the breeding season, which usually continues while day length is long... read more .