LSU’s School of Animal Science, led by associate professor Erin Oberhaus, is developing a hormonal treatment to induce reproductive cycles in mares earlier than their natural season, which typically resumes in April. This innovation aims to address delays in equine breeding caused by the industry’s universal birth date of January 1, which gives foals born earlier in the year a competitive advantage. By injecting mares with hormones they naturally produce, Oberhaus’ treatment can restart their cycles around January, enabling breeders to produce foals earlier without the labor-intensive light therapy currently used.

Oberhaus emphasizes that the treatment is safe and ethical, as it uses hormones already present in mares and does not harm their well-being. This advancement could significantly ease breeders’ workload and potentially benefit other species, including humans. Supported by LSU’s research facilities, Oberhaus and her team hope this therapy will become widely adopted across American farms, positively impacting the horse racing industry by leveling the playing field and enhancing breeding efficiency.