Lactation—When the foal is born and begins to nurse, the mare’s energy requirements nearly double, second only to horses doing very intense work. So her diet must provide this additional energy, plus a good protein, vitamin and mineral balance to support milk production. This also means that she will now require a daily intake of up to three percent of her body weight in total hay and grain concentrate. The grain concentrate portion of her diet is very important in that it will keep her from losing weight and will provide all necessary nutrients to meet increased demands. Maintaining proper weight of the lactating broodmare is extremely important. If she is too thin, she will not be able to provide adequate milk production for the foal and, as a result, the foal’s own growth rate and immunity are likely to decrease as well. The too-thin lactating mare may also be difficult to get back into foal.

ARTICLES

EPM, Folic Acid and Birth Defects
By Christine Barakat

Nutrition for the Broodmare
By Dr. Randel Raub, Purina Mills

Nutritional Management of Pregnant and Lactating Mares
By Karen E. Davison, Ph.D., Equine Specialist, Purina Mills