collaboration and co - ordination for real benefit to the breeder via a Colloquium for Equine

Introduction The horse industry in Great Britain contributes to 0.5 % of total consumer spending and is estimated to generate £3.4 billion expenditure each year. In 1997, British Thoroughbred bloodstock exports were estimated to be worth £160 million (DEFRA 2004) and undoubtedly horse breeding is integral to the industry. The value of Sport Horse breeding further adds to these data. However, mares can exhibit poor fertility rates and the report of 43 % of Thoroughbred mares failing to produce a live foal in 2005 has changed little over the past 50 years (BHB 2007).