FOCUS ON FEDDING
approach is preferable,ashigh starch feedsmay adversely influencethe metabolism of the foal after birth. However,itmay be necessary to add asmall quantityofanexceptionally nutrient- dense flaked blend, to temptmares that become fussy or to allowsmaller meal sizes in mares with high calorie requirementsfor condition.
LACTATION
Good levels of vitamin E, selenium and Mannan Oligosaccharides(MOS) have been shown to support the production of good qualitycolostrum. The nutritional demands on the broodmareare
greatest in early lactation. Foals usually double their birth weight in the firstmonth and a500kg marewill produce15-20 litres of milk aday. Mares’milk is rich in lysine and the other
essential amino acids, which arerequired by the foal to develop ahealthymusculoskeletal system. The inclusion of agood qualityprotein source will improve milk yields and foal growth. Topspecification feed balancersand conditioning blends use soya as the major protein source, which is rich in essential amino acids.
STALLIONS
Stallions should approach the breeding season in good condition. Obesitycan have anegativeeffect on fertilityand libido,aswell as increase the risk of insulin dysregulation and laminitis. However,a lean stallion will not be able to meet the demands of abusyseason. As with broodmares approaching the breeding season, planning ahead is important. The amount of feed astallion requires will
depend on severalfactors,including forage quality, his behaviour (i.e. if he spends alot of time demonstrating stereotypical behaviour or is relaxed), the frequencyofcovering/semen collection and whether he is still exercising/
competing alongside his stud duties. Forlightly used stallions that areprone to
weight gain, forage with alower nutritional value maybeneeded (
e.g.late-cut meadowhay, soaked if necessary), with grazing restrictedas it comesthrough in spring. Feeding a“lite” top specification stud feed balancerisanideal way of providing the micronutrientstobalancehis diet and maintain fertility, without weight gain. Forharder-working stallions, and those
that need morefeed to maintain condition, best qualityforage should be offered. Basing hardfeeds on aconditioning topspecification stud feed balancer is an excellent solution and will supply ahigh levelofvitamins, minerals, traceelementsand amino acids in asmall amount of
feed.For additional protein and calories, an appropriateblend and/ or straightscan be included and adjusted according to condition. Forstallions that need alow starch regime to keep alevel head, top specification cereal-grain-free conditioning cubeswill be the mostsuitable option. An experienced equine nutritionist
will be happytogiveyou specificadvice tailored to your ownmareorstallion.
By Anna Welch BVSc, BSc, MRCVS. VeterinaryNutrition Director,TopSpec. TopSpec canbecontacted, free of charge,ontheir Multiple Award- Winning-Helpline Tel: 01845-565030
feeding compound stud cubesormixes at the recommended rate would not be possible.
LATE PREGNANCY
Foals gain approximately 60% of their birth weight in the lastthree-four months of pregnancy. Therefore, the mare’srequirements forgood qualityprotein and energy will increase to support this rapid growth. Optimum and balanced levels of
micronutrientsincluding vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper,zinc, and manganese,are vitaltosupport healthy growth and development of the foal. Basing hardfeeds on aconditioning top
specification stud feed balancer will help to ensurethatrequirementsare met whilst keeping meal sizes small. This is important at atime of increased nutritional demand when gut capacityisreduced by the growing foal. If additional protein and caloriesare required
forcondition, acubed blend that contains high qualityprotein
canbeadded.Alow starch
Please mention CentralHorseNewswhen responding toAdvertisements FEBRUARY/MARCH2021 17
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