FOALING 2016: Feeding the foaling mare 05 February 2016 Premium

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05 February 2016

Irish Field Contributor on 05 Feb 2016

FOALING 2016: Feeding the foaling mare

Sabrina Barnwell, a practising veterinary surgeon who works as an equine nutrition advisor with Connolly’s Red Mills, gives helpful advice on feeding the foaling mare

Irish Field Contributor

5 February 2016

The near term foal occupies a lot of space so often the mare’s appetite is reduced

The recommended quantities of commercial feeds are often in the region of 5kg per day for a typical 500kg pregnant mare. That translates to about two and half of the “Stubbs” type round scoops per day

GETTING the feeding right for mares at foaling is essential.

Mares that are heavy in foal and approaching their due date have high requirements for energy and nutrients so that the foal is “ready for birth” and developed enough to face the rigours of the outside world. The mare too needs high energy resources to deliver the foal and care for her new-born.

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