Characterization of Typical Behaviors of Mares in the Opening Phase of Parturition—Influence of Parity and Dystocia.

Simple Summary: Birth monitoring in the mare is crucial for preventing potential losses. To enhance the efficacy of birth monitoring and facilitate the development of monitoring programs rooted in behavioral parameters, we analyzed mare behavior during stage I of parturition. Our investigation revealed distinct behavioral patterns among mares, highlighting considerable variability among individuals. Interestingly, we observed correlations between parity, the birth process, and behavior during stage I of parturition, suggesting significant influences on the mare's behavior during this critical period. The identification of typical behaviors in stage I of parturition, the opening phase, can be used to improve birth monitoring in the mare. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze mare behavior during the opening phase. Real-time recordings of 66 births involving 56 warmblood mares were analyzed using camera footage. Behaviors such as increased locomotor activity, pawing with front hooves, lifting the tail, rolling, kicking with the hind legs toward the abdomen, and looking at the abdomen increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the four hours preceding parturition. Within the last hour of the observation period, a statistically significant change was observed for the duration of lying in the sternal and lateral position (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between parity and the total number of repetitions of lying in the sternal position (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the birth process influenced the repetitions of lying in the lateral position (p < 0.05). These findings indicate distinct behavioral patterns during the opening phase of parturition, which were evident across the observed mares. Nonetheless, notable individual differences were also identified among the mares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]