Final answer:
Waxed teats, or 'waxing up', are indeed a sign observed about a week before a mare is expected to foal, indicating that her body is preparing for labor. This process involves the formation of a waxy substance on the mare's teats.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you're asking relates to horse reproduction, specifically the signs that indicate a mare is about to foal. While not mentioned in provided references, the occurrence of waxed teats, commonly known in horse breeding as 'waxing up', is indeed often observed about one week prior to foaling. This is a sign that the mare's body is preparing for labor. It's similar to the 'bloody show' in humans where a mucus plug is expelled, indicating imminent labor. In the final stages of pregnancy, the mare may develop a thick, waxy substance on her teats. This is the colostrum starting to form and being sealed within the teat by the wax to prevent leakage.
However, this is not to be confused with the vernix caseosa that coats a human fetus skin, a waxy, protective substance that protects and moisturizes the skin of the fetus and aids in lubrication during childbirth. The gestation period for mares is typically about 340 days, longer than that of sheep, which is around 150 days. Signs of impending labor in mares, like waxing up, are important for breeders to monitor to ensure a safe delivery for both the mare and foal.
Learn more about Waxed Teats in Horse Breeding