29th Annual Student Research Conference
The Effects of Light Therapy on Equine Estrous Cycles
Kristin M. Banks
Dr. Kelly Walter, Faculty Mentor
Low-Intensity blue light applied to a single eye from a light mask has previously been shown to be an effective method of manipulating the mare's estrous cycle. My research will consist of two open mares at the Truman State University farm who have been fitted with light masks (Equilume) compared with two open mares exposed only to natural light. Starting in February, the mares will be teased by the University stallion and evaluated via rectal palpation and ultrasound to determine whether the light masks have proven effective in inducing earlier cycles. Follicle size and teasing scores will be compared between mares wearing the masks (MASK) and control mares exposed to natural light (CONT). The objective of this study is to determine if use of the masks will induce earlier cycles making mares more productive during the spring semester.
Keywords: Equine, Mare, Cycles, Light masks, Effects
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 1-1
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30