Prediction of the start of parturition in mares using camera image analysis.
Authors: Nabenishi H, Tsuda T, Omoya Y, Ishii T
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Predicting Parturition in Mares Using Thermal and Movement Analysis Nabenishi and colleagues employed a dual-camera monitoring system combining thermal imaging and visible-light recording to identify pre-parturition behavioural and physiological changes in 53 Thoroughbred mares, tracking movement via centroid analysis and body surface temperature (BST) via infrared thermography whilst accounting for ambient temperature variation. The researchers identified two distinct pre-parturition indicators: locomotor activity increased significantly on the day of beginning the expulsion phase (BEP) and peaked at 1–2 hours before expulsion, whilst BST showed a measurable rise approximately 6 hours before BEP, with statistically significant elevation in the final hour (P < 0.05). Notably, 96.2% of mares demonstrated elevation in at least one of these parameters, suggesting that multi-parameter monitoring substantially improves detection sensitivity compared to single-variable assessment. These automated, camera-based measurements offer practical value for breeding facilities seeking non-invasive, objective parturition prediction tools that could reduce labour-intensive manual foaling watches and potentially improve response times to dystocia, though farriers and other equine professionals might consider whether clients with breeding programmes could integrate such monitoring into their facilities.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Automated camera systems monitoring activity and body temperature can reliably predict parturition onset in mares within 1-2 hours, enabling timely attendance during labor
- •Using multiple parameters (activity + temperature) is more effective than single indicators—96% of mares showed changes in at least one parameter before expulsion phase began
- •This technology enables objective, continuous monitoring without handler disturbance, reducing stress during the critical pre-parturition period
Key Findings
- •Distance moved by mares increased significantly on the day of beginning the expulsion phase (BEP) compared to 2 days prior, with peak activity 2-1 hours before BEP
- •Body surface temperature (BST) showed a significant increase 1-0 hours before BEP (P < 0.05)
- •96.2% of mares demonstrated an increase in either activity or BST before parturition, demonstrating the value of multi-parameter monitoring
- •Infrared thermography combined with motion analysis via camera imaging can non-invasively predict the onset of parturition in pregnant mares