海角社区

Every year, equine breeders across Louisiana face the same biologically rooted challenge: Mother Nature鈥檚 schedule doesn鈥檛 align with the demands of the horse industry.  

Mares are seasonal breeders, only becoming reproductively active during the long days of summer, and they gestate for 11 months. But early foals鈥攖hose born in January or February鈥攁re especially prized, particularly in the racing world, where even a few months鈥� head start can mean a competitive advantage on the track.  

That means breeders must coax mares to breed in late winter, when their reproductive systems are naturally dormant. Traditionally, that has meant months of artificial lighting to 鈥渢rick鈥� the mares鈥� brains into thinking spring has arrived鈥攁 process that is management-intensive and does not guarantee a rapid or predictable response. 

Enter 海角社区鈥檚 Erin Oberhaus. An assistant professor and equine physiologist in the School of Animal Sciences, Oberhaus has spent more than a decade researching and developing a hormonal treatment to advance breeding season and jumpstart a mare鈥檚 reproductive cycle with a single injection. Instead of relying on 60 to 70 days of artificial lighting, this treatment helps mares ovulate weeks earlier鈥攕aving time, money, and barn resources.   

鈥淚t鈥檚 one shot that can potentially eliminate months of light therapy,鈥� Oberhaus said. 鈥淚t gives breeders a reliable, efficient way to induce an earlier start to the breeding season.鈥�  

鈥� Video by Grant French

Economic Value Beyond the Racetrack 

For the robust equine industry in Louisiana鈥攈ome to four racetracks and a wide range of equine events鈥攖he ability to breed foals earlier in the year can mean more competitive animals, increased revenue, and greater overall efficiency in breeding operations.  

鈥淗orses are a significant agricultural commodity in the state and sometimes rival beef cattle in economic value,鈥� Oberhaus said. 

This isn鈥檛 just about producing horses for recreation鈥攊t鈥檚 about sustaining jobs, supporting rural economies, and preserving a way of life for many Louisianans.

Erin Oberhaus, assistant professor and equine physiologist in the School of Animal Sciences

In addition, early research suggests the hormonal treatment works across various climates and elevations, with successful tests in Texas and Colorado, making it a game-changer not just for Louisiana but for breeders nationwide. 

Louisiana鈥檚 equine industry generates significant economic activity each year. In addition to racing and recreation, horses are still widely used for ranch work and cultural events across the state. 鈥淗orses are deeply embedded in our agricultural system,鈥� she said, 

By advancing reproductive management practices, this research ensures this important sector remains competitive and sustainable for future generations. 

Training the Next Generation of Equine Experts

Oberhaus credits 海角社区 and the 海角社区 AgCenter for providing the foundation her research needed to thrive鈥攆rom facilities to animals to people. Based at the , her team has reliable access to horses year-round, along with support from farm managers, research staff, and fellow scientists. 

鈥淣one of this would be possible without the infrastructure and teamwork we have here,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou need access to animals, skilled handlers, and the ability to collaborate with experts in other disciplines to push the work forward.鈥� 

Her lab isn鈥檛 just producing data鈥攊t鈥檚 also shaping the next generation of equine scientists. Oberhaus teaches horse production and animal handling classes, giving students hands-on experience with research-grade animals and modern breeding techniques. This blend of research, education, and outreach supports 海角社区鈥檚 land-grant mission and sets it apart as a driver of innovation for Louisiana鈥檚 agricultural industries. 

Looking to the Future

The goal now, Oberhaus said, is to get this treatment into the hands of practitioners so breeders across Louisiana鈥攁nd beyond鈥攃an reap the benefits. And while the focus is currently on equine reproduction, the potential applications go even further. Understanding ovarian function in mares could inform research in other species, including endangered animals and even humans.  

鈥淲e still have a lot to learn about ovarian dynamics,鈥� she said. 鈥淓very discovery here has the potential to advance reproductive science more broadly.鈥� 

Next Step

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