Equine fetomaternal monitoring is based on endocrine and cardiac parameters which may differ among small, medium-size, and full-size horses. Therefore, Shetland (n = 6), Haflinger (n = 8), and Warmblood pregnancies (n = 9) were studied during late gestation and at foaling. Weight of mares, foals and placenta, plasma progestin and cortisol concentration, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. Foal weight always approximated 10% of mare weight but relative placenta weight was highest in full-size mares (p < 0.05). Progestin (p < 0.001) and cortisol (p < 0.05) concentration was highest in full-size mares. Progestin concentration decreased towards parturition (p < 0.001) while cortisol concentration increased (p < 0.01). Maternal heart rate increased before foaling with the most pronounced increase in small mares (p < 0.001). The HRV increased during foaling and decreased when delivery was completed (p < 0.001). Changes were most pronounced in full-size mares (p < 0.001). Atrio-ventricular blocks regularly occurred in parturient full-size mares but only occasionally in medium-size and small mares (time p < 0.05, time × group p < 0.05). This may reflect breed differences in cardiovascular efficiency. Fetal heart rate decreased towards birth (p < 0.001) with the most pronounced decrease in full-size horses (p < 0.01). Fetal HRV showed no consistent changes before birth but increased when the foal was born (p < 0.001), this increase being most pronounced in full-size foals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates both similarities and differences in peripartum endocrine and cardiac changes in horses of different size.
Keywords: cortisol; heart rate; horse; pregnancy; progestins; size.