By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
As April draws to a close and the weather settles, the sport horse breeding season is now in full swing. Until now, much of our focus has been on preparing our mares for foaling - but what about the foals themselves? Once they hit the ground, what are their nutritional needs, and how can we ensure we give them the best start in life?
First off, congratulations on your new foal! It's an exciting milestone - but now the real work begins. As breeders, we must ensure both the foal and the mare remain healthy, while also preparing to get our mares back in foal. Nutrition for newborn foals plays a crucial role in achieving this, especially during those vital early days.
The importance of colostrum, the mare’s first milk, cannot be overstated. This rich, antibody-packed milk is vital for the foal’s immune system. Ideally, a foal should ingest colostrum within the first two hours of life, and certainly no later than four hours. Failure to do so can leave the foal vulnerable to disease. If your foal isn't nursing within two hours, it’s essential to call the vet immediately.
To confirm the foal has received adequate passive immunity, it is highly recommended to test their Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels around 24 hours after birth. Low IgG levels may require intervention, such as a plasma transfusion, to support the immune system.
The good news? Most healthy mares will produce sufficient colostrum. However, it is always wise to know in advance where you can source high-quality colostrum in case of emergencies, far better than a frantic 3 a.m. search!
During the first few weeks of life, a foal’s primary nutrition comes from the mare’s milk. This natural source is rich in energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all critical for rapid growth and development. Expect your foal to cycle through sleep, nursing, and enthusiastic bursts of movement on those wobbly legs!
Ensure your foal has access to a sheltered area when turned out, allowing for comfortable rest. Equally, supporting the mare nutritionally is vital. Post-foaling, mares often lose condition due to the high energy demands of lactation. Feeding a high-quality stud feed will help maintain her health and milk production. However, feeds should be chosen carefully, not all are suitable for foals, and it’s best to avoid those containing prebiotics and probiotics at this early stage.
From birth up to around six to eight weeks, foals receive nearly all their nutrition from their mother’s milk. However, they will begin nibbling on forage and may even sneak bites from their dam’s feed as curiosity grows.
By around three months of age, the nutritional value of the mare’s milk begins to decline. At this point, dietary supplementation may be necessary. This is where creep feeding becomes useful, a specialised feeding setup that allows foals to access appropriate feed without the mare consuming it. Keyflow scientifically formulated stud feeds include Nurture and Nurture Pro. Nurture has been designed to support musculature and skeletal development and growth. Nurture Pro contains ingredients such as algal DHA omega 3 to support fertility in mares and stallions, growth in utero and in all stages.
If you are a first-time or less experienced breeder, seeking professional foal feeding advice is highly recommended. Evaluating your foal’s condition and deciding whether supplementation is needed can be tricky but is crucial to prevent developmental issues. Contact advice@keyflowfeeds.com for free and friendly feed advice.
Raising a healthy foal starts from day one, and good nutrition is the foundation. By understanding your foal’s needs and keeping a close eye on both mare and baby, you’ll be well on your way to nurturing the next generation of athletic champions.
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