IT’S never difficult to be fascinated when you talk nutrition to managing director Kenneth Irwin and his team at Bluegrass. On a visit last year, I enjoyed over an hour’s chat on all things equine nutrition, and as a hobby breeder myself, shared my observation of a gap in the market for a bespoke broodmare feed. Little did I know what would come next.

Just over a month ago, I got a call from Kenneth to say that the conversation we’d had inspired him to embark upon an in-depth research and development project resulting in a brand-new product for broodmares called Mare Prepare. I headed back to Tyrone last week to see for myself what this bespoke feed for broodmares was all about.

Increased pressure

With the ever-increasing pressure on mares to produce foals either by natural covering or through artificial insemination, the Bluegrass team have formulated their new product specifically aimed at supporting broodmares, including those with fertility issues, to meet the demands of producing healthy foals.

Carefully designed with the scientific support of Kentucky Equine Research, Bluegrass have developed a feed which not only supports optimum fertility and breeding performance but also just as importantly, assists mares with their reproductive recovery.

Mare Prepare really does seem to be a useful one-stop shop for broodmare nutrition. It can be fed on its own because it combines the well-being factor of a quality stud cube with the addition of marine-derived oil, high in Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).

Mare Prepare also contains the premium balancer Stamm 30 ® to provide high quality proteins, vitamins and minerals and it contains elevated levels of natural vitamin E, prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support gut health.

DHA and EPA

The inclusion of marine-derived oil, high in omega-3 fatty acids, is what provides the high levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which benefit fertility and reproductive health. Research has shown that supplementation of pregnant mares with DHA and EPA results in better endometrial scores which are indicators of uterine health, compared with un-supplemented mares.

Supplementation of pregnant mares with DHA and EPA offers beneficial knock-on effects too, as mares effectively incorporate these fatty acids into their milk, providing for the nursing foal. Broodmares on diets high in omega-3 may also produce richer colostrum. Studies have shown that foals of supplemented mares seem to have stronger immune systems than foals suckling mares not fed omega-3 fatty acids.

Other findings suggest that mares with a history of abortion may also benefit from nutritional support with omega-3 fatty acids.

“We have worked hard with Kentucky Equine Research, leaders in equine nutrition, to develop a product that supports the broodmare long before breeding and right through until the foal is on the ground,” explains Kenneth.

“The inclusion of marine-derived oil negates the need to feed additional supplements. Mare Prepare contains the recommended 60g per day, ensuring your mare receives the optimal level of DHA and EPA.”

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant which protects tissues and cells from degradation. Mares supplemented with vitamin E demonstrate increased passive transfer of antibodies to foals. Many breeders already understand the importance of vitamin E and supplement their mares. However, an elevated level of natural source vitamin E is already incorporated into Mare Prepare, so again, additional supplementation is not necessary.

Mare Prepare also contains marine-derived calcium which research shows has three main benefits for our horses’ health; stabilising gut PH, improving gastrointestinal health and helps prevent skeletal issues by improving bone density and strength. To further support optimal growth and sound development Kentucky Equine Research micronutrients including chelated trace minerals and B-vitamins such a biotin and folic acid are also within the feed.

Healthy foal

As our discussion in the Bluegrass boardroom moves on to foals, I’m reminded that Kenneth is a prize-winning breeder himself, so mares are a passion of his. As he talks me through feed routine with his own magnificent heavyweight Clydesdale mares, the familiar breeder glint in the eye comes over him.

As breeders we always want the best for our mares and our raison d’etre is to support them and to put a healthy foal on the ground. Nutrition is at the very heart of horse health and alongside everything else, Mare Prepare perhaps also has the added ingredient of breeder passion in every bag.

To achieve the full benefit of the recommended levels of DHA and EPA feed at 2.5kg per day for an average 500kg horse, in two feeds to barren mares, 60 days prior to breeding, to boost reproductive health.

1st trimester: 2.5kg

2nd trimester: 2.5-3kg

3rd trimester: 3-4kg

If you feel at any stage additional condition is required, Bluegrass recommends increasing the rate of feeding or adding an additional calorie source such as stud mix or cubes or a Bluegrass Turmash.

A bag of Mare Prepare costs about €7/£5 more per bag than other Bluegrass stud feeds, therefore four bags bag per month costs an extra €28/£24. Money well spent when you consider no additional breeding supplements should be needed.

Bluegrass have worked hard on the palatability of the feed but as with most feeds, it’s best to introduce it slowly over a week to 10 days.