Regu-Mate
What is Regu-Mate and How Does It Benefit Horses?
For equestrians and horse owners, managing the health and behavior of their animals is paramount. One of the tools often used in equine management is Regu-Mate, a product that plays a significant role in regulating mares’ estrous cycles. But what exactly is Regu-Mate, and how does it work?
Understanding Regu-Mate
Regu-Mate is the trade name for altrenogest, a synthetic progestin hormone. This medication is primarily used to control estrus (the reproductive cycle) in mares. Estrus can cause behavioral and physical changes in mares that may interfere with training, competition, or breeding schedules. By administering Regu-Mate, horse owners can suppress these cycles, ensuring consistency in behavior and performance.
How Does Regu-Mate Work?
Regu-Mate mimics the natural progesterone hormone found in mares. When administered, it maintains elevated progesterone levels in the mare’s system, which tricks her body into thinking she is pregnant or in the luteal phase of her cycle. This suppresses the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing ovulation and, consequently, estrus behavior.
The product is typically administered orally, either by dosing directly into the mare’s mouth or mixing it with her feed. The effects of Regu-Mate are reversible, and the mare’s normal estrous cycle resumes after the treatment is discontinued.
Benefits of Using Regu-Mate
Behavioral Consistency During estrus, mares can exhibit mood swings, distraction, and discomfort, which can make them difficult to handle or train. Regu-Mate helps mitigate these behaviors, allowing for more predictable performance.
Improved Training and Competition For mares in competitive disciplines, estrus symptoms can be a major hindrance. Regu-Mate ensures that these symptoms don’t interfere with training or events, giving the horse and rider a better chance of success.
Controlled Breeding Cycles Regu-Mate is also invaluable for breeders. By suppressing the estrous cycle, it allows for better synchronization of breeding schedules, ensuring mares are ready for insemination or natural cover at optimal times.
Administration and Safety Considerations
Regu-Mate is a prescription medication, so it’s important to consult a veterinarian before use. Proper handling of the product is essential, as it can be absorbed through the skin and may pose health risks to humans, especially pregnant women or those who may become pregnant.
Key safety tips include:
Wearing gloves when handling Regu-Mate.
Avoiding contact with skin or mucous membranes.
Storing the product securely out of reach of children and animals.
Alternatives to Regu-Mate
While Regu-Mate is a widely trusted option, other methods are available for managing estrus in mares. These include hormonal injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or even spaying in rare cases. The choice of method depends on the mare’s specific needs and the owner’s goals.
Final Thoughts
Regu-Mate is a powerful tool for horse owners and trainers seeking to manage the challenges associated with a mare’s estrous cycle. Whether for improved behavior, better performance in competition, or precise breeding schedules, this medication offers a reliable solution. However, as with any medication, it should be used responsibly and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
By understanding how Regu-Mate works and adhering to best practices for its use, horse owners can ensure the health and well-being of their mares while achieving their training, performance, or breeding objectives.