| abstract |
A light-based method of advancing the breeding season of a mare, comprising the step of shining blue light from an artificial blue light source into just one eye of a female horse, each day for at least 6 weeks, causing a substantial suppression of melatonin production. The treatment regime is intended to be as effective as maintaining the horse indoors under barn lighting. The light may have a peak wavelength of 459-484nm, and an intensity below 100 lux. The light may turn on before dusk to provide a total of 16 hours of light to the horse. The horse may be kept in pasture whilst receiving the light. Also claimed is an apparatus, where the light may be mounted in a blinker 18. |