Foal Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in the health of any animal but it is of particular in young, growing animals. Proper growth and bone development are only ensured by meeting the foal's nutritional needs.

It starts while the foal is still in utero. Broodmares should maintain adequate body condition (5.5-6.5 on the 9-point Henneke Body Condition Scale), more calories are required to maintain a good weight, protein is key to maintain BCS and muscle of the mare, and proper mineral intake is critical for mare's bone and liver stores.

It is essential that the foal receive colostrum within the first 24 hours of life. It will provide the foal with protein and antibodies needed to fight off infections! Breeders should be prepared for any suckling issues by having a supply of frozen colostrum on hand; it is better to be prepared for situations like this rather than wait until something goes wrong.

In the first 30 days to 3 months of life the foal depends on the mare for nutrition; milk is the foal's sole food source. They should consume milk 7-10 times per hour because drinking frequently helps prevent digestive upsets. Make sure the mare is maintaining weight and body condition, lactation takes a lot of her.

At 3-4 months of age the foal can begin having forage and concentrated feed added to the diet. Soft hay is preferable to coarse hay for these young animals and a hay test is recommended before offering to your foals.

Make sure you provide your foal (and mare) with proper nutrition! Starting early and maintaining this nutrition will make it more likely that your animals will live a long and healthy life. Contact a trusted equine professional, veterinarian, or extension agent for further tips and advice, or if you have any questions.