**6. Conclusions**

Knowledge of the physiological basis of the estrous cycle allows us to understand the interaction of reproductive hormones and the factors or events that interact in the cyclicity of mares. These basic studies have made possible the correct manipulation of the estrous cycle, the advancement of the reproductive season or the synchronization of ovulation. A great contribution in this sense has been possible through the description of the follicular dynamics and the study of the different structures present in the ovaries of the mares throughout the year.

Likewise, the adequate interaction between the ovary, the placenta, and the fetus guarantees the secretion of the correct hormonal patterns necessary for a successful pregnancy. Measurements of progestogens, estrogens, and relaxin, among other hormones, are useful for monitoring the health status of the placenta and fetal viability. This is mainly because placental pathologies or fetal death are mainly due

**21**

**Author details**

Valencia, Spain

\* and Juan Carlos Gardon2

CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Valencia, Spain

\*Address all correspondence to: ksatue@uchceu.es

provided the original work is properly cited.

1 Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University

© 2020 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

2 Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia-San Vicente Mártir,

Katy Satué1

*Physiological and Clinical Aspects of the Endocrinology of the Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy…*

to alterations of these hormones. On the other hand, the hormonal diagnosis allows temporizing and early detection of pathological conditions to propose an adequate treatment for the maintenance of gestation and with it, the production of a viable foal. Substantial progress has been made in recent years in the identification of risk

All this knowledge helps greatly to improve the work of professionals and achievements for the improvement of reproductive outcomes. It is important to bear in mind that the constant production of basic knowledge and applied in equine reproduction will allow in the future to improve and generate new guidelines in

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90387*

pregnancies and their treatment.

reproductive technologies.

*Physiological and Clinical Aspects of the Endocrinology of the Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90387*

to alterations of these hormones. On the other hand, the hormonal diagnosis allows temporizing and early detection of pathological conditions to propose an adequate treatment for the maintenance of gestation and with it, the production of a viable foal. Substantial progress has been made in recent years in the identification of risk pregnancies and their treatment.

All this knowledge helps greatly to improve the work of professionals and achievements for the improvement of reproductive outcomes. It is important to bear in mind that the constant production of basic knowledge and applied in equine reproduction will allow in the future to improve and generate new guidelines in reproductive technologies.
