Position on Veterinary Management of Broodmares

It is the opinion of the AAEP that certain diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are important in the proper management of broodmares for optimum reproductive efficiency. The need to perform any or all of these procedures should only be determined by a licensed veterinarian with a valid VCPR.

These procedures include, but are not limited to: palpation of the reproductive tract per rectum; ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract per rectum and/or transabdominally; visual and endoscopic examination of the internal reproductive organs; obtainment of an endometrial swab or lavage sample for bacterial or fungal culture; obtainment of an endometrial swab or brush sample for cytologic examination; obtainment of an endometrial biopsy sample for histological examination; evaluation of serum hormone concentrations; application of certain intrauterine therapies that have been shown to be safe and effective for treatment of uterine pathologies; certain urogenital surgeries; artificial insemination (AI); and embryo and gamete retrieval, manipulation and transfer.

AI should be performed under the direction of a licensed veterinarian pursuant to a valid VCPR. All other above-named procedures should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Revised by AAEP board of directors in 2024.