Feeding The Mare and Foal

by Dr. Martin Adams, Southern States Equine Sales Manager

Equine research shows what many horse owners know: Proper nutrition improves fertility and milk production of mares, as well as the growth and health of their foals.

The first consideration for reproductive success in mares is to have them in good body condition and on a high nutritional plane.

Mares are usually bred shortly after foaling, so they need to be maintained in good body condition during pregnancy and after foaling to rebreed successfully.

Organic copper, which is bonded to amino acids for more efficient absorption in the horse’s digestive system, has been shown to increase conception rates in mares. This is one reason organic copper is used in Legends® and Triple Crown® horse feeds.

After foaling, a lactating mare has the highest nutrient needs of any class of horse except for a racehorse in heavy training. Lactating mares need adequate energy to maintain body condition for breeding after foal heat and for milk production for the foal.

The addition of yeast culture increases milk production in mares and growth rates in young horses, according to several research studies. For these reasons, yeast culture has been incorporated into the formulas for Legends< Mare & Foal and Triple Crown Growth feeds.

Legends Mare & Foal and Triple Crown Growth are the recommended feeds for lactating mares. Feeding rates of 0.75% to 1.25% of body weight are usually adequate, depending on the amount and quality of hay or pasture fed.

After the first three months of lactation, milk production will decrease and the mare’s feeding rate can be reduced to 0.5 to 1% of body weight. However, the amount of feed should be matched to each mare’s current body condition. Maintain a higher feeding rate if she needs more weight, and reduce the feeding rate if a mare is too fat.

Normally, you should start creep feeding foals at one month of age. Also provide access to good quality hay at this time. Feed each foal 1 pound of Legends Mare & Foal or Triple Crown Growth per month of age for the first three months if the foal’s mare produces a normal amount of milk. Increase the amount of feed to 1 to 1.5% of body weight after the first three months until weaning, adjusting the amount of feed according to desired growth rate and hay quality.

When your foal is consuming at least 4 pounds of Legends Mare & Foal or Triple Crown Growth per day, it’s time to wean. Legends Mare & Foal and Triple Crown Growth meet the requirements of a high-quality creep feed and more. Both offer guaranteed lysine levels, high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, and additives such as yeast culture and organic trace minerals.

Foals are normally weaned at four and a half to six months. The mare’s milk production usually adequately provides a desired growth rate for the first two to three months and then declines to a level that will not allow a desirable growth rate.

Creep feeding helps provide foals with supplemental nutrients to continue an optimum growth rate from three months to weaning. It also provides a balanced diet by supplying nutrients deficient in mare’s milk. This helps prevent developmental orthopedic disease during the first three months. After weaning, you can feed Legends Mare & Foal or Triple Crown Growth until the horse reaches one year of age, if grass hay is fed. If some alfalfa hay is fed or good pasture is available, you can switch to Legends 14 or Triple Crown 14% Performance Formula. Feed these at a rate of 0.75% to 1.5% of the weanling’s body weight, respectively, and provide good-quality hay. Again, adjust the amount of feed according to desired growth rate and body condition.

Wait at least one month after weaning before switching to either Legends 14 or Triple Crown 14% Performance Formula. This will ensure fewer problems during the weaning period.