Breeding

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by jpops757

Lots of info about breeding in here as to who is the best and/or best value. I have a couple of what some of you might consider a dumb question. What is the latest in the year a top outfit will concider breeding there top mares and if they wait to late do they consider a lesser stalion to produce a latter colt. When in the year is it best to wait and get an eary cover by a quality stud. I guess what Im askig s does a highly bred colt born after Sept have any value at sale? What signafance does the month of foal have and with each preceding month how does the value go down?

jpops,
I don't think you questions are dumb at all. I'm no expert, but i'll try to answer.
Figure eleven months gestation, and breed the mare so that she foals a close to Jan 1st as possible. So a late Feb cover is the way to go.
Unfortunately, here in NY, the day length (which triggers the estrus cycle) doesn't happen until March, April. The latest? Maybe June or July.
One of my mares has had difficulty conceiving on her first cover. So, the added expense to get her in foal, including vet visits, hormones, all has to be figured.
A Sept colt? Geesh, that's a tough one. Though he's only four months old, he be a yearling on Jan 1st as that's when they all have their "birthday".
So my guess would be to figure extra year of keep until he's ready to do his job.
I hope this answers for you.
DTS