From Conception to Champion: The Role of Nutrition in Broodmare Health
Breeding a foal can be looked at similarly to building a house. If the foundations are correct the house should go up easily. However, if the foundations are wrong everything that follows is like a game of catch up. Correct nutrition during pregnancy and after foaling is important both for the foal’s development but also for the mare’s ability to recover after foaling.
The importance of equine nutrition in broodmares
A mare’s gestation period is roughly eleven months. During this time the mare will put a huge amount of her energy into the foal to facilitate growth and development, particularly during the last few months of gestation. The foal will gain over 60% of its foaling weight in the last four months and the mare’s protein and mineral requirements increase largely during this time.
If the mare is undernourished, she could “rob” from her own stores which could lead to issues with milk production and quality. Equally it is important that the mare does not become overweight as this could lead to birthing complications. The mare should be monitored throughout the pregnancy and her calorie intake should be amended as required. Should you find yourself in a situation more weight than desired, a balancer is one of the safest and most effective ways of ensuring the mare is getting the correct balance of vitamins and minerals without adding unwanted calories to the diet.
During the first three months of lactation a mare will produce about 3% of their bodyweight in milk per day. As this is the foal’s main source of food it is essential that the milk is of a high quality and full of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. If the mare does not receive adequate nutrition during this time, she may start to dip into her own reserves. Not only will this cause her to lose condition but it may then cause problems when trying to re-breed.
There are a few important elements to consider when looking at the diet of a broodmare.
Diet Essentials: what to feed your broodmare
Diet is key when it comes to producing a correct and healthy foal. Forage is as important as any part of the diet and should be of good quality. Fresh water should also be available 24/7. The mare should be healthy and receive adequate amounts of protein as well as essential vitamins and minerals which she then passes to the foal. This also helps her maintain her own health and condition.
Equine supplements: what and when to supplement your broodmare
Adequate supplementation is particularly important for the following.
Foetal Development – Calcium and phosphorus are needed for foetal bone development. Minerals such as Zinc, Copper, Iron and manganese accumulate and are stored in the liver of the foetus to be used after birth to support growth. Copper has also been shown to be important for reducing the risks of bone and joint issues in foals and is most beneficial when given before birth. All of these should be supplemented in the diet, particularly during the last trimester. A well-formulated balancer contains high quality vitamins and minerals that satisfy the nutritional needs of the broodmare throughout her gestation.
Colostrum and milk quality – Ensuring the mare is meeting her protein requirements is extremely important both during pregnancy and while lactating. Proteins are made up of both essential and non-essential amino acids some of which must be provided through the diet as they cannot be made by the mare’s body. It has been shown that mares fed inadequate protein levels have smaller foals and produce less milk compared to those fed optimal high levels.
Re-breeding – If the mare has not been supplemented correctly through gestation/ early pregnancy her own stores may be depleted. This could lead to difficulties trying to get her back in foal.
Additional best practices for the health and maintenance of your broodmare
Worming – Mares should be routinely wormed throughout their pregnancy, but care should be taken to ensure wormers are licensed for broodmares.
Farrier- Mares should receive regular footcare every 6-8 weeks.
Vaccinations- Mares should be up to date with influenza and tetanus boosters. EHV virus vaccinations should be given at the 5th, 7th and 9th months or pregnancy. If possible the mare should be immunised for rotavirus on the 8th, 9th and 10th month of pregnancy.
To support your broodmare this season we recommend feeding Aminofeed.
Aminofeed is a feed balancer developed for the diets of breeding stock and youngstock. For broodmares it satisfies protein and mineral requirements which facilitates correct foetal development, helps ensure adequate milk production and maintain colostrum quality and aids with return of normal oestrus activity.
For more information go to Amino Feeds
Written by Dr. John Henderson, BVM&S MRCVS
