THE role of broodmare nutrition on the future health of their progeny is well established and an area of ongoing scientific research. It is hardly surprising that maternal nutrition during pregnancy has a significant influence on the growth and development of the foetus in utero, as the growing foetus is dependent on the maternal supply of nutrients and the capacity of the placenta to provide an unrestricted supply of those nutrients.

Recent research indicates that these influences can be far reaching, not only affecting the newborn foal but also the foal’s long-term development and health.