Source: AgriFutures Australia
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is second in size only to that of the United States, with 660 stud farms predominantly in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, but also in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
Currently, the industry produces approximately 12,000 foals per year (Figure 1) and contributes more than $1.16 billion per annum to the Australian economy.
Despite these impressive figures, between 5–15% of mares abort their pregnancies each season, resulting in financial loss to the mare owner and, in some cases, a health and safety risk to horses and humans.
