Does the Reproductive Technique Affect Neonatal Health Parameters in Foals?

This retrospective study evaluated whether different reproductive biotechnologies influence neonatal behaviour parameters in foals. Data from 102 foalings in two commercial breeding farms were analysed, including foals conceived by artificial insemination (AI), conventional embryo transfer (ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Neonatal parameters recorded were birth weight, time to achieve sternal recumbency, time to stand, time to nurse and time to meconium elimination. Mixed statistical models were applied to assess the influence of reproductive technique, breed, sex and farm. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between farms for time to sternal recumbency and time to nurse, and among breeds for birth height and time to meconium elimination. However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between sexes or among reproductive techniques for any of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, these results indicate that reproductive techniques, including advanced biotechnologies, such as ICSI, do not adversely affect neonatal health parameters in foals. On the other hand, the present findings highlight the importance of considering environmental and genetic factors, such as farm management and breed, when evaluating neonatal outcomes.