| Housing
There are over 30 loose boxes
within an American Barn system in close proximity to the
main house, West Down. All loose boxes are light and airy
with plenty of fresh, wheat straw. They are all regularly
disinfected with anti-bacterial wash during the stud season
for hygiene. |
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Service
Careful observation determines when a mare is
in season, with the aid of our veterinary surgeon. A special barren unit is
available to simulate daylight, which enables the day time to be extended,
therefore aiding an early oestrus cycle of barren mares. Scanning the mare’s
womb enables pregnancies to be detected 16 days after covering and
subsequent scans are used to establish a healthy, growing foetus. Early
detection of twin embryos offer our veterinary surgeon the chance of
‘removing’ one embryo wherever possible.
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Feeding
The feed ration consists of a balanced stud mix which has been specially
formulated to accommodate the stud’s own hay, to provide the mares with a
complete balanced diet. |
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West Down
Foaling Unit This
isolated unit offers our customers the best care and
attention for their foaling mares. It has cameras in each
loose box to observe the foaling mare 24 hours a day. The
mare also wears a foaling alarm strapped to her chest which
works by a moisture meter. Immediately prior to parturition,
perspiration rate increases, which, when sensed by the
monitor, triggers the alarm. |
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| All mares entering the stud are required to have negative
tests and swabs in accordance with the Thoroughbred Breeders
Association Code of Practice. |
