Post Foaling Care


Colostrum Antibodies, Deworming & More


Understanding the Importance of Equine Nutrition & Medical Care For Mare & Foal, Post Foaling Contributed Courtesy Triple Crown Nutrition


Once the mare stands after


foaling and before the foal nurs- es, the mare’s udder and perineum should be cleansed and dried to prevent ingestion of pathogens. The newborn foal should stand and nurse within two hours of foal- ing. As the foal ingests colostrum, a passive transfer of antibodies against diseases occurs within first 12 hours of birth. If passive trans- fer does not occur, plasma infusion of antibodies will be necessary. It is also imperative to check for broken ribs and monitor the foal’s respiratory rate, heart rate and tem-


perature. Normal ranges are: • Respiration– 30 to 40 breaths per minute, 60 to 80 if in a hot climate • Heart rate– 80 to 120 beats per


minute • Temperature– 99 to 101.8 °F Furthermore, the mare should


be dewormed immediately after foaling, which will also deworm the foal as the compounds are passed through the milk. The foal can also be dewormed at 10 days of age with appropriate class of anthelmintic. Some mares experience di- gestive upset after foaling, so it is


best to feed hay and light meals, including a concentrate formulated for heavy lactation. They should always have constant access to good quality pasture and/or forage and fresh water. It is also import- ant to check body condition score of the mare to prevent sudden loss of condition. The foal should be weighed and evaluated every two weeks to determine average daily gain to ensure a moderate steady growth rate to prevent develop- ment of Developmental Orthope- dic Disease (DOD). Mare and foal should be


turned out for short periods, re- gardless of weather, because the exercise will help the mare ex- pel uterine fluid and help the foal strengthen tendons, ligaments, bone and muscle. It is also neces- sary for the mental health of mare and foal to be allowed free exer- cise in short bouts. Turnout should be in a small paddock alone or with one other mare and foal for the first 30 days so foals do not over exercise. After one month,


Matlock Rice & Cattasan


they can be turned out in a larger field with more mares and foals. Once weather is optimum, mares and foals can be left out round the clock.


Prior to weaning, the mare’s


concentrate should be slowly re- duced to encourage less milk pro- duction, and chances are the mare does not need to consume as many calories as she did during gestation and lactation as well. At this time, mares can be placed on a protein/ vitamin/mineral supplement if other energy sources are readily available (pasture, good hay etc.). Foals should be fed separately or with a foal creep feeder to ensure consistent intake. Foals should also be vaccinated several weeks prior to weaning and be dewormed and trimmed before the stress of weaning.


Astute feeding, and manage-


ment techniques combined with some advanced planning will help ensure each mare produces a healthy, and viable foa w.


14


SouthWest Horse Trader


February 2018


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