What it is:
HbA1c is a blood test that shows the average blood sugar level over the past few months, rather than a single moment in time.
Why it is beneficial to breeders:
Helps identify ongoing blood sugar issues rather than temporary spikes
Useful for monitoring diabetic or at-risk animals
Not affected by stress, feeding time, or insulin given that day
Provides a more reliable picture of long-term glucose control
Supports clearer health and management decisions
When breeders should use it:
When an animal has repeated high or inconsistent glucose readings
For monitoring known diabetic breeding animals
When stress or diet may affect single blood sugar tests
For long-term health tracking in valuable breeding animals
 
To summarize:
HbA1c: A blood test that reflects long-term blood sugar control, offering a more stable picture than a single glucose reading.