Understanding your broodmare’s nutritional requirements and how to meet them, is key for the health of both the mare and the developing foal. It is important to remember that the foetus does not grow at a constant rate throughout the entire pregnancy and nutritional requirements will vary at different stages.

Keeping the mare in healthy condition throughout pregnancy is vital. Nutritional requirements increase significantly in the final trimester, as over 60% of total foetal growth occurs in this period. The pregnant mare’s calorie, protein and vitamin, and mineral requirements are significantly increased at this stage, to support the growth and development of the unborn foal, while also maintaining optimal health for the mare.

Undernutrition in the final trimester can cause loss of condition, lower colostrum quality and reduced milk production, as the mare will use her own bodily stores to nourish the foetus, which results in her own needs not being met. Feeding a product such as Connolly’s Red Mills Stud Cubes or Mix will provide the necessary levels of nutrients to meet the mare’s requirements, when fed at the recommended rates.

Optimising colostrum quality

Research has shown that how the mare is fed in late pregnancy can directly impact the quality of colostrum she produces. Colostrum is the first milk from a mare, often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, to provide the foals with immunoglobulins (IgGs) or infection-fighting antibodies. The addition of vitamin E is an important dietary consideration, as it is a powerful antioxidant (particularly in combination with selenium), which has been shown to improve IgG levels when fed to mares at an appropriate level in late pregnancy. Vitamin E is low in most conserved forages, so ensure to check that it is present in your stud feed at appropriate levels or supplement accordingly.

Providing a live yeast probiotic during the final trimester of pregnancy has also shown to increase IgG levels in the mare’s colostrum, providing newborn foals with improved immune defences in early life. Adding just 500g of Grocare balancer per day to the mares daily ration will supply excellent levels of vitamin E and live yeast probiotics, as well as key amino acids and essential vitamins to support high-quality colostrum and milk production.

Providing Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet has also shown to improve IgG levels in colostrum, while also improving the transfer of IgG and other immune defences through the colostrum to the suckling foal. Fresh grazing provides an excellent source of the precursors for Omega-3. For mares foaling in early spring, consider supplementing with flaxseed/linseed oil for the final three months of the pregnancy when conserved forages are relied upon and little or no fresh grazing is available. Foran Equine Kentucky Karron Oil is an emulsified flaxseed oil that provides the optimum ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids, which can be supplemented to pregnant and lactating mares.

Early Foal Nutrition

If the mare is fed correctly throughout her pregnancy, she’ll do a lot of the work for you when it comes to feeding your newborn foal after colostrum consumption. Early lactation is a nutritionally demanding time for the mare, so ensure she has a constant supply of clean, fresh water and provide her with small, energy-dense meals throughout the day.

It is normal to see foals picking at their dam’s feed when only a few days old, but creep feeding will become nutritionally important when the mare’s milk begins to decrease – approximately three months post-foaling. Creep feeding can begin earlier than 12 weeks if the mare’s milk production is poor or if the foal is not meeting its desired growth rate.

Feeding concentrates should be restricted to 500g per 100kg of body weight and can be increased to 1kg per 100kg body weight by weaning time.

Overtopped foals will be more prone to developmental diseases, so it is important they do not become overweight. Getting the balance right when feeding youngstock can be challenging and getting it wrong can have a lasting impact on soundness and athleticism.

Feeding weanlings

Preparation is key prior to weaning your foal and should include consideration in the changes of nutritional requirements. Weaning is a stressful period for foals, and it is common to see them drop condition and to struggle to ward off bugs and viruses. However, managing their feed appropriately can help to keep their weight steady and their immune defences strong. Maintaining a steady growth curve is a crucial aspect for weanlings and is a key factor in mitigating developmental orthopaedic diseases (DODs), such as osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) or physitis. Introducing a creep feed gradually (from two to three months old onwards) can help to maintain that steady growth curve as weaning approaches, while ensuring they are receiving all the required nutrients.

For heavier foals that tend to maintain their condition quite well, consider feeding a small quantity of a nutrient-dense feed such as Grocare Balancer, to ensure they receive the quality protein and vitamins and minerals required, without an excess calorie intake. For foals that struggle with condition consider a ‘complete’ youngstock ration, such as Connolly’s Red Mills Foal & Yearling Mix. There are different ways of reaching the same goal and a lot of the decision-making comes down to looking at the individual and assessing their individual needs accordingly.

Bone Health

The occurrence of developmental orthopaedic diseases (DODs) in youngstock are multi-factorial – genetics, trauma and nutrition are just a few of the associated risk factors.

Clean x-rays hold high importance in the sale of horses, so it is vital to consider how to control the risk. A simple, balanced diet from conception to sale is crucial, and horses should be maintained in good body condition.

As some bloodlines carry a higher risk of DODs than others (perhaps those with heightened growth rates), you may consider providing additional supplementation to those in question. Foran Equine Cal-Gro provides high levels of essential nutrients for optimising skeletal development in-utero and throughout growth.

Supplementary Copper

Copper plays a role in the processes of cartilage formation and is also vital for the maintenance of healthy tendons and ligaments. In terms of broader health, copper supports antioxidant function and immune health, as well as being needed to produce melanin – the pigment that determines coat colour. Copper levels are low in Irish grassland and uptake can be interrupted by other minerals, making absorption extremely complex.

Supplementation is required to fill the gap during periods when horses consuming fresh grazing as the majority of their calorie intake – ie late spring/summer. Foran Equine’s Coppervit or Copper Max Paste can be supplemented during these times to meet the requirements of horses, in particular growing youngstock and pregnant mares.

There are various factors that play important roles in producing sound, healthy young horses. Good nutritional management and provision of the most appropriate feeds and supplements can help to ensure that your foal continues to grow and develop correctly, and that your broodmare is healthy and in optimal condition for the next breeding season.