Feeding the Mare and Foal

by Dr. Martin Adams, PAS

Recent equine research has shown that proper nutrition has positive effects on fertility and milk production of mares, and the growth and health of their foals. The first consideration for the mare is to have her in good body condition and a high nutritional plane so that she can conceive during breeding.  Mares are usually bred shortly after foaling, so the mare needs to be maintained in good body condition during pregnancy and after foaling to accomplish a successful breeding.  Organic or proteinated copper, which is bonded to amino acids for more efficient absorption in the horse’s digestive system, has been shown to increase conception rate in the mare.  This is one reason that organic copper is used in Legends and Triple Crown horse feeds. 

Most mares can be maintained during the first two trimesters of pregnancy with relatively low amounts of horse feed, from 0.5% to 0.75% of body weight (5 to 7.5 pounds for a 1,000 pound horse), along with good quality hay.  Feeds recommended during this time include Legends Grown and Perform and Triple Crown 14% Performance Formula.  These feeds contain quality protein sources, are highly fortified with vitamins and minerals, and contain high levels of fat to keep feeding rates low while maintaining good body condition.

During the last trimester of the mare’s gestation period, the majority of fetal growth occurs, with increased needs for energy, protein, mineral and vitamins.  Recommended mare feeding rates from the ninth month to foaling are 0.5% to 1% of body weight, depending on body condition and quality and amount of forage available.  Recommended feeds during this time include Legends Mare and Foal and Triple Crown Growth.  Research has shown that high levels of fat, vitamin E and selenium contribute to increased levels of antibodies in mare’s colostrum.  Legends Mare and Foal and Triple Crown Growth can contribute to providing better immunity transfer to foals by increasing colostrum quality in pregnant mares with the high levels of vegetable fat, vitamin E and selenium.

After foaling, the lactating mare has the highest nutrient needs of any class of horse except for a racehorse in heavy training.  The mare in early lactation needs adequate energy to maintain body condition for breeding after foal heat, and for milk production for the foal.  The addition of yeast culture has increased milk production in the mare 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 and Foal and Triple Crown Growth horse feeds.

Legends Mare and Foal and Triple Crown Growth are the recommended feeds for the lactating mare.  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, but the amount of feed should be provided according to current body condition.  Maintain a higher feeding rate if the mare needs more weight, and reduce the mare’s feeding rate if she is too fat.

Start creep feeding the foal at 1 month of age, also provide access to good quality hay at this time.  Feed the foal one pound of Legends Mare and Foal or Triple Crown Growth per month of age for the first three months if the 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 four pounds of Legends Mare and Foal or Triple Crown Growth per day, it can be successfully weaned. 

Legends Mare and Foal and Triple Crown Growth meet all the requirements of a high quality creep feed and more, with guaranteed lysine levels, high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, and additives such as yeast culture and organic trace minerals. Lysine has been found to be the first limiting amino acid for growth in foals.  Organic zinc has been shown to increase immune system function in horses, an important consideration for weanlings.  Both of these feeds also contain Bio-Mos (a natural sugar that binds pathogenic bacteria in the foal’s intestinal tract) and MTB-100 (a feed additive that binds mold-produced toxins present in hay and grain that cause reduced growth and sickness in young foals).  Yeast culture, lysine and organic trace minerals have increased growth rates and bone development of young horses when added to horse feeds.

Foals are normally weaned at 4.5 to 6 months.  Milk production by the mare is usually sufficient to provide 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 not only allows the foal supplemental nutrients to continue an optimum growth rate from three months to weaning, but also provides a balanced diet to prevent developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) during the first three months by supplying nutrients deficient in mare’s milk.

After weaning, you can continue feeding Legends Mare and 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 Grow and Perform or Triple Crown 14% Performance Formula.  Feed Legends Grow and Perform or Triple Crown 14% Performance Formula at a rate of 0.75% to 1.5% of the weanling's body weight 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 the weanling to Legends Grow and Perform or Triple Crown 14% Performance Formula to insure less problems during the weaning period.