PMU Farming Facts

Farming horses for the production of pregnant mare urine (PMU) is very controversial. The urine of pregnant mares is harvested to make the hormone replacement therapy drug Premarin.

  1. History

    • PMU farming has been around since 1942, before synthetic hormone therapies were available.

    Controversy

    • PMU farming is controversial because of the living conditions of the mares and the fate of foals born to PMU mares. Many of the mares live in stalls just 8 feet long, 3 1/2 feet wide and 5 feet high for the last six months of pregnancy. Many of the foals born to PMU mares are sent to slaughter.

    Collection

    • The mares produce 1/2 to 3/4 gallon of urine per day and between 90 and 100 gallons during confinement. The urine is collected with a urinary collection device that is strapped to the mare's vulva.

    Revenue

    • Farmers receive approximately $11 per gallon on PMU and make between $2,000 and $2,500 per mare each year as of 2010.

    Alternatives

    • The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has decreased in recent years after studies linked HRT to breast cancer. Synthetic alternatives to Premarin are available to women who need to use HRT.