Pregnancy in mares is understood as a critical period that requires meticulous attention in all aspects, especially nutrition. During this stage, the mare not only nourishes herself but also provides essential nutrients for the proper development and growth of the foal. A properly designed and provided diet during pregnancy is essential to ensure the mare’s health, a successful delivery, and the subsequent birth of a healthy foal.
This means that, for example, breeding with the best stallion is pointless if the mare suffers from nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, resulting in a weak foal.
While mares can subsist on a diet based on grass and forage, this generally does not contain the necessary nutritional levels for optimal fetal development. If the mare does not receive adequate nutrients, she will be forced to draw from her own reserves to compensate for the deficiencies, which can negatively affect both her health and that of the foal.
A poor diet during pregnancy can lead to a series of problems. A lack of iron and other essential nutrients can cause weakness, anemia, and fatigue in the mare. Additionally, it can lead to reproductive issues, affecting the mare’s fertility and increasing the risk of complications during delivery. It may also result in poor fetal development, affecting the foal’s growth and development, potentially causing long-term health problems.
How to Create a Good Nutritional Plan?
At Ovohorse, we understand that nutrition during pregnancy is a crucial factor in ensuring a healthy foal in your stables next season. That’s why we outline what a good nutritional plan should include to achieve this goal:
Gradual Increase of Nutrients:
Starting from the fifth month of pregnancy, there should be a gradual increase in dietary ingredients under the guidance of an equine nutritionist. The goal of this increase is for the mare to gain weight gradually until the tenth month of gestation, where it should ultimately be 10% above her normal weight.
Despite this, it is essential that the mare maintains a good body condition that allows her to provide everything the foal needs during pregnancy, ideally reaching 6.5 on the Henneke scale. In other words, the mare should not be overweight but should gain some weight moderately.
Enrichment with Minerals and Vitamins:
It is essential that the mare’s diet includes necessary minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and magnesium, which are crucial for the foal’s bone development. All these factors depend on each individual mare, so we recommend that you consult an equine nutritionist.
Dental Care:
The mare’s oral health is fundamental for proper nutrient absorption. If she does not chew properly, she cannot process all the vitamins necessary for both herself and the foal. Regular dental check-ups and necessary treatments are recommended.
Regular Deworming:
Together with your veterinarian, it is ideal to have a proper deworming program, as this helps prevent parasitic diseases that can affect the health of both the mare and the foal.
Exercise and Movement:
The mare should have access to a spacious area to move freely, which promotes blood circulation and helps her stay calm during pregnancy.
Preparation for Birth:
Two weeks before the expected birth, the mare should be moved to the place where she will foal. This allows her to develop colostrum with specific antibodies for the environment, which is vital for the foal’s health.
Considering all these aspects, the next step is to surround yourself with professionals in this field, namely veterinarians and nutritionists with their respective regular check-ups. Both will develop a specific plan for each mare, ensuring that all her needs are met to achieve a successful delivery and a healthy, strong foal.
It is important to remember that this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace veterinary advice.
