The period leading up to the birth of a new foal is an exciting yet critical time that requires careful attention and proper management. Ensuring your mare has the optimal conditions for foaling can contribute significantly to the health and well-being of both the mare and her foal.
Active Routine and Diet for Pregnant Mares
Even after a successful pregnancy has been confirmed, it’s possible to continue light riding activities with the mare. However, some horse owners, myself included, prefer not to. This is a personal preference and is often dictated by the mare’s comfort and well-being.
Turning the in-foal mare out into a peaceful pasture away from other horses allows her ample space to move around and take it easy. Ideally, mares should have access to warm, summer sunshine, and a serene shady spot under trees for those hotter days.
Balanced nutrition plays a key role in a pregnant mare’s health. The availability of good quality grass and fresh water is crucial. In some cases, as visualized by her physical condition, she may benefit from additional rations to meet the growing fetus’s nutritional requirements.
Adapting Grass Management for Different Mare Types
The type of grass management depends greatly on the breed and conformation of the mare. For example, a workhorse breed, sometimes referred to as a ‘gross’ mare due to its heavy bones and muscular conformation, tends to grow overweight easily. To prevent obesity, such mares are best kept on shorter grass. On the other hand, Thoroughbreds and other lean types might require lush pastures to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
Regular Check-ups are a Must
An integral part of prenatal care for mares is regular check-ups. Daily visits to your pregnant mares offer an opportunity to observe their behavior, notice any changes, and intervene promptly if necessary. Not only do these visits allow for proactive health monitoring, but they also foster deeper bonds with your mares. The pleasant interaction assures them, making this stage of life as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both you and your mare.
Warm and Dry Stable Conditions for Winter Care of Pregnant Mares
Dreary winter months call for special care and attention for in-foal mares. It’s advisable to offer them warm and dry shelter during the nights to protect them from extreme cold and persistent rain. Turning them out in unfavourable weather conditions is not ideal unless they have been confined to a stable for over 48 hours. In such cases, equipping them with a New Zealand rug, designed to keep horses dry and comfortable, would be beneficial before they gallop around for some much-needed exercise.
Optimal Feeding Routine for Mares in Foal
Consistency in feeding is key for pregnant mares. While they’re sheltered indoors during the nights, they should receive a short feed during the evening and morning. Free access to an abundance of nutritious hay is important, except when the mare has excessive weight – specifically around their hindquarters and necks.
The appearance of a mare’s belly as the pregnancy progresses can vary greatly. Analogous to human pregnancies, some mares might lose their trim figure noticeably early in the pregnancy while others might maintain a svelte shape until late before foaling. For instance, a mare may exhibit a smaller girth in December despite past successful pregnancy tests, only to show a significant drop later on in her term.
Special Care During the Seventh Month of Pregnancy
November, around the seventh month into the mare’s pregnancy, is a critical time when there are increased chances of the mare aborting the foal. Prevention measures can be taken if needed. In my experience, such unfortunate instances are rare but can still happen, requiring immediate attention.
Proactive Measure for Mares with History of Foal Loss
When it comes to mares with a history of losing their foals prematurely, additional measures can be considered. One such measure is an implant that veterinarians insert into the mare’s neck to suppress ovarian activity. This stops heat periods and reduces the likelihood of the womb opening prematurely. However, this should not be necessary for mares without such past experiences. It’s important to remove the implant just before the due date of foaling to allow the natural childbirth process to occur.
This careful monitoring and intervention, if needed, can help ensure that both mare and foal navigate this critical period safely.
Maintaining a Wholesome Diet for a Brood Mare
Ensuring a well-rounded, nutritious diet is fundamental to a brood mare’s health. As with any horse, natural exercise and appropriate rationing of food play key roles in sustaining her general well-being.
Beneficial Staple Foods
Fundamentally, mares should have access to high-quality oats and bran. In horse nutrition, these are crucial, much like meat and bread are essential in a human diet.
Optimal Supplement Additions
Given the prevalence of artificial manures that might limit the availability of natural minerals in the grass, it’s important to consider mineral supplements. Equivite Bone Meal, for example, is a proprietary blend of minerals that can boost the nutritional value of the mare’s diet. In addition, mineral licks provided in their stables can be a fun and healthy treat for horses.
Many horses enjoy sugar beet pulp which provides a satisfying sugar content. Flaked maize is another favorite that can be served dry in small quantities, or scalded and mixed into the night feed for a warming effect on colder nights.
Barley and Its Benefits
Barley, served either boiled or rolled, can be a wholesome addition to a mare’s diet. It helps warm the horse’s blood during winter and promotes overall bodily condition. However, caution should be exercised for mares prone to over-heating, identifiable by spots or heat bumps under their skin.
Use of Milk Equivalent Products
Milk equivalent products or calf milk are protein-rich supplements I often utilize personally. This supplement, while beneficial, requires careful rationing as overfeeding can lead to health complications. Adding a small quantity to the morning and evening feed can significantly improve the condition of any horse that seems to be lagging in overall health and vigor.
By ensuring each aspect of a mare’s diet is balanced properly, we can promote a healthy and productive brood mare, able to best support the development of her foal.
Importance of Chaff for Slow Feeding and Optimal Digestion
Feeding horses properly with the right ingredients can contribute greatly to their overall health. For brood mares, plenty of chaff in their meals has significant benefits to good digestion, as it encourages them to consume their feed slowly and thoroughly.
Chaff and its Role in Brood Mare Feeding
Incorporating chaff in a mare’s short feed ensures that she will eat at a more leisurely pace. This slower consumption is particularly important for pregnant mares whose stomach capacity might be compromised due to their growing foal. Proper digestion is crucial to their health and well-being.
Avoiding Indigestion and Encouraging a Natural Eating Pace
When horses eat too quickly and fail to chew their food completely, indigestion becomes more likely as unmasticated food enters their stomachs. Ensuring that mares consume their feed slowly grants them the maximum benefit from the nutrients provided in their meal.
It’s ideal if mares spend around half an hour eating before they are turned out in the mornings. After leisurely grazing, they can be released to walk and graze outdoors, allowing them to feel comfortably full and content.
By adopting a feeding approach that prioritizes slow, thorough consumption, we can promote healthier digestion and improved well-being for brood mares, which, in turn, enhances their overall reproductive health and success.
Importance of High-Quality Hay in a Mare’s Diet
Offering good-quality hay is crucial for providing mares with the necessary bulk in their diet. A blend of seed and meadow hay helps ensure a balanced composition of protein, minerals, and palatability.
Balancing Seed and Meadow Hay
Combining seed hay and meadow hay offers an ideal mixture for a mare’s nutritional needs. Seed hay contributes ample protein to the diet, while meadow hay adds a variety of minerals and enhances the meal’s overall taste.
Mineral Richness of Meadow Hay
Each type of grass within meadow hay is known to contain distinct minerals. This variety within the blend of grasses in meadow hay contributes essential nutrients and offers additional benefits to the mare’s overall health.
By prioritizing the use of both seed hay and meadow hay, we can ensure that a mare’s diet contains the right balance of protein, palatability, and vital minerals necessary for their wellbeing, with the added bonus of providing a satisfying meal to enjoy.
Monitoring a Mare’s Health Prior to Foaling
As foaling approaches, it becomes increasingly important to vigilantly observe the mare’s health and wellbeing. Some critical considerations are ensuring her bowels are open, keeping an eye on the foaling symptoms, and administering necessary vaccines.
Bowel Function and Overall Health
To maintain a mare’s wellbeing before foaling, it is crucial to monitor her bowel movement and keep her digestive system functioning efficiently. This makes certain that she will be in good condition when the foaling process begins.
Anti-Tetanus Booster for Foal Immunity
Administering an anti-tetanus booster to the mare will pass on essential immunity to her unborn foal. This preventive healthcare measure plays a vital role in protecting the newborn from potential tetanus infections.
Observing Signs of Approaching Foaling
It’s essential to report any observed signs of foaling to the owner or the stud groom, even if they may be false alarms. An attentive approach ensures that no relevant information is missed, leading to better outcomes for both the mare and her foal.
Since each mare exhibits unique behaviors and symptoms before foaling, it’s important to observe any changes in appearance. Particular areas of interest include the mare’s udder and milk vein, as these can indicate the imminent arrival of her foal.
By diligently monitoring a mare’s health and detecting signs of foaling, we can ensure proper care and preparation for the delivery, thereby increasing the odds of a successful and healthy foaling experience for both the mare and her newborn foal.
FAQs on Care for Your Pregnant Mare Prior to Birthing
Q: How can I tell when my mare is close to foaling?
A: Apart from the mare’s due date, some common signs that foaling is near include enlargement and softening of the udders, dripping milk, a relaxed and elongated vulva, as well as changes in behavior like restlessness or frequent urination. However, every mare is unique, and signs can vary from one mare to another.
Q: How should I prepare the stable for foaling?
A: Ensure the stable is clean, spacious, and well-bedded to provide comfort and reduce the risk of infections. Have essentials such as clean water, a foaling halter, clean towels, and a veterinarian’s number on hand. The area should be quiet and free from bright lights to create a peaceful environment for the mare.
Q: Should I change my mare’s diet ahead of foaling?
A: Yes, as her pregnancy progresses, your mare will have increased nutritional needs. Consider consulting your vet or a equine nutritionist to advise on the best diet choices to meet these needs. Generally, the diet should be high in quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Q: What should I do if complications arise during foaling?
A: Though most mares give birth without problems, complications can occasionally arise. If you observe unusual signs or behaviors, it’s important to contact your vet immediately. Having a vet’s number easily accessible can help ensure timely care in case of emergencies.
Q: Can my mare continue exercising while pregnant?
A: Yes, light, regular exercise, such as walking or light trotting, is beneficial for a pregnant mare. However, heavy work should be avoided especially as the due date approaches. Always observe your mare closely for any signs of discomfort or fatigue during exercise. When in doubt, consult your vet.
Q: How often should a pregnant mare be checked by a vet?
A: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial throughout a mare’s pregnancy. Initially, mares should be checked to confirm the pregnancy, then for fetal wellbeing and development at different stages. More frequent visits may be recommended as the due date approaches, or in case of any complications. As a general rule, follow your vet’s advice on check-up frequency.
Q: What is a mare’s normal gestation period?
A: The average gestation period for a mare varies from 320 to 360 days, but it can sometimes be a bit longer or shorter. Each mare’s pregnancy timeline is slightly different. If your mare seems significantly overdue, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.
Q: Is it necessary to administer any vaccinations during pregnancy?
A: Yes, certain vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy, like the tetanus booster, to protect both the mare and the unborn foal. Your vet can provide a vaccination schedule based on your mare’s specific needs.
Q: Can a pregnant mare still be ridden?
A: Yes, mares can generally be ridden in the beginning stages of their pregnancy. However, it’s important to remember that each mare is unique. What might be light exercise for one mare may stress another. As the pregnancy progresses, riding should be reduced and stopped completely in the later stages.
Q: What signals should I look out for over the pregnancy that might suggest a health issue?
A: Regular vet visits can help identify any potential issues early. However, if you notice changes in your mare such as loss of appetite, lack of energy, clear or bloody discharge, visible discomfort, or dramatically distended belly even early in pregnancy, contact your vet immediately.
Q: How long before birth should I stop exercise completely for my pregnant mare?
A: Typically, most heavy exercise should be reduced or stopped around the seventh month of pregnancy. Light exercise, like walking, can be continued until approximately two weeks before the estimated foaling date. As always, seek advice from your vet for a program tailored to your mare’s health and individual needs.
Q: How important is hydration for my pregnant mare?
A: Hydration is extremely important for your pregnant mare. Pregnant mares need to stay properly hydrated to keep themselves and their foals healthy. Provide fresh, clean water at all times and monitor her water intake regularly. If you notice any significant changes, contact your vet.
Q: How much weight is normal for a mare to gain during pregnancy?
A: A mare can gain between 9 to 12 percent of her original body weight over the course of her pregnancy. This means a 500kg mare might gain between 45 to 60kg. Remember, each mare will differ and the weight gain needs to be gradual. Abrupt or excessive weight gain can be a potential issue, so if you notice rapid changes, consult with your vet.
