Good-quality alfalfa or alfalfa-grass hays are suitable for lactating mares. Good-quality pasture is also an excellent forage source, and hay may not be necessary when pasture is abundant. Broodmares should be fed a concentrate that is formulated for the needs of mares and foals.
What can you not feed a pregnant mare?
One type of hay or pasture to avoid is fescue , which is often infected with an endophyte that causes problems in pregnant mares, including prolonged gestation, difficult delivery, and lack of milk.
What is the best feed for a pregnant mare?
Purina ® Omolene ® #200, Strategy ® GX or Ultium ® Growth horse feed would be good choices, or Purina ® Enrich Plus ® Ration Balancing horse feed may be an option for mares that are easy keepers. During the tenth month of gestation the greatest amount of mineral retention occurs in the unborn foal.
What makes a good broodmare?
A broodmare must be in excellent health , with plenty of vigor, free of infection, and anatomical conditions that would make conception and foaling difficult if not impossible. If your mare has produced before, has she ever had difficulty settling or carrying the foal to full term?
What do you feed a mare after foaling?
Give some good quality hay or chaff in small quantities more frequently, rather than one huge feed as soon as she has foaled. As her appetite returns you can then increase the amount of feed.
What can I feed my mare to produce more milk?
Mares need energy and high-quality protein for milk production (14% crude protein grain mix). Generally an increase in grain volume will supply more energy. 2. Low lactating mares consuming fescue pasture or hay may benefit from a veterinary-prescribed paste marketed as Equi-tox to increase milk production.
When should a pregnant mare be wormed?
The mare should not be wormed until at least two weeks after foaling unless under veterinary supervision – this is because metabolites from the wormer can be passed through the mare’s milk to affect the foal.
How much should a pregnant mare eat a day?
These mares require between 2 to 3 percent of her body weight in total feed daily, which may be as much as 25 to 30 lb of hay and 10 to 15 lb of concentrate feed daily (Refer to table 3 below).
Why can’t pregnant mares eat fescue?
Mares that continue to eat fescue are at greatly increased risk of prolonged pregnancy and a difficult delivery of the overmature foal; thickening of the placenta leading to suffocation of the foal during birth; premature placental separation; and failure to produce colostrum or milk.
When should you start feeding mare and foal?
Feeding During Gestation
In the first 7-8 months , the mare can usually be treated like any other mature horse nutritionally. Good quality hay, fresh pasture, and a vitamin and mineral source should be sufficient.
What a broodmare means?
: a mare kept for breeding .
What does broodmare sire mean?
Broodmare sire: A male horse that produces females that are used for breeding . By: A horse is “by” a certain sire – this term is never used for the dam. Colt: An entire male horse, under 4 years of age, unless gelded. At 4 years of age entire males are recognized as horses.
How much do broodmares sell for?
Overall, the North American broodmare market was down slightly, with the average broodmare price dipping 0.8% to $83,161 compared with a 2017 average of $83,799. The North American median, however, decreased nearly 12% to $15,000.
At what age do foals eat grain?
As early as 10 to14 days of age , a foal may begin to show an interest in feed. By nibbling and sampling, the youngster learns to eat solid food. Its digestive system quickly adapts to the dietary changes.
How long after foaling should a mare get up?
Foal is bright and alert to its new surroundings. The foal should make attempts to rise within 30 minutes following its birth . Mare is non-aggressive, curious and accepting of her newborn.
How can you tell if a foal is getting enough milk?
A bright, active and alert foal is the best indication they’re receiving adequate milk to meet their daily energy and nutrition requirements. However, if you observe unusual suckling behaviour, or your foal seems lethargic or unwell, consult your veterinarian.
