THE latest developments in broodmare nutrition emphasise the need to ensure ample micro-nutrition (the supply of vitamins, minerals and other functional ingredients required in only trace amounts) during early gestation. There is strong evidence from other animal species that a deficiency in micro-nutrition at key stages of organ development can have a damaging effect.

Early gestation

If you have a mare without a foal at foot, do not start to increase her feed intake immediately she gets in foal. During the first eight months of pregnancy the foetal demands for major nutrients are so low that you can continue to feed a mare the same amount of energy (calories) and protein as though she were not in foal, simply adjusting feed intake to keep her in good condition.

However it is important to ensure micro-nutrient supply through the feeding of a top specification feed balancer or multi-supplement. By the end of this time, the foal will only have reached about 40% of its eventual birth weight.

In the summer excellent mixed grazing will meet all the energy and protein requirements of an in-foal mare but if the grazing is less than ideal, then again, continue to feed a top specification feed balancer or supplement to guard against possible micronutrient deficiencies.

Naturally, a mare with a foal at foot should be fed for lactation.

Late gestation

During the last three months of pregnancy, the foal will gain 60% of its final birth weight therefore the mare’s feed requirements increase quite sharply. In order for the foetus to reach its maximum potential, and to keep herself in good condition, the mare will need increased supplies of energy (calories), protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and trace elements. The proportion of these ingredients must change so that energy intake is increased less than protein, vitamin and mineral intake. This change in proportion needs to be even greater for mares that are good-doers so that they do not become overweight. It is important that the protein is of high quality with a good amino acid profile.

In order to meet these increased requirements whilst her gut capacity is being reduced by the growing foetus, a top specification stud feed balancer is enormously helpful. For example a 16.2hh retired eventer might be fed ad-lib haylage plus a daily ration of 750 grams TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer plus 600 grams TopChop Alfalfa (unmolassed) and 3kg TopSpec CoolCondition cubes, preferably divided into two feeds. A mare struggling for condition could have some or all the TopSpec CoolCondition cubes (DE 12.5MJ/kg) replaced by TopSpec Super Conditioning Flakes (DE 16MJ/kg).

Feeding trace elements in late pregnancy is particularly important in circumstances where the lactating mare and young foal are going to be turned out to grass with no supplementary feed, as the foetus can store trace elements to help offset deficiencies in the mare’s milk.

Feeding the mare correctly before foaling will not only help the foal directly but also indirectly through improved colostrum and milk. The colostrum of mares fed TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer has been shown to contain higher levels of antibodies than mares fed a commercial stud mix.

Feeding mares prior to foaling early in the year

A mare foaling early in the year will need to be fed good quality forage plus concentrates, as hay alone is insufficient. Traditionally concentrates would gradually be increased until the mare was being fed a forage to concentrate ratio of 60:40 using a good, 16% protein, stud ration.

During the last 20 years, the advent of top specification feed balancers and improved forages has offered owners a better approach to feeding mare; and many owners prefer to use these products to arrive at a higher forage to concentrate ratio. This has many benefits for mares’ digestive systems and is rightly considered a more natural way of feeding. For example, a 16.1hh IDxTB mare might now receive ad-lib good quality forage plus a daily ration of 1kg of TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer, 600g of TopChop Alfalfa and 1kg of TopSpec CoolCondition cubes, preferably divided into two feeds. This gives a forage to concentrate ratio of 80:20.

Feeding mares prior to foaling from May onwards

Mares foaling in late spring/early summer will have most of their late pregnancy requirements met by grass. Spring grass will provide plenty of protein and energy but if grazing conditions are less than perfect continue to feed a top specification feed balancer or multi-supplement to ensure micronutrient intake. For example, a TB mare could be given 500grams TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer daily in the field to ensure her micronutrient intake was optimised. If the mare was light of condition then we would recommend 1kg per day of TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer.

Feeding close to foaling

It can be beneficial to feed yeast products for at least 10 days before and after foaling to help counteract stress. Mares can make fools of mere humans when it comes to estimating foaling dates but do not worry if foaling is delayed as yeast products can be fed permanently, usually to advantage, but definitely without detriment. TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer contains a pure, protected yeast that will be particularly helpful at stressful times.

Finally, remember that all feeds should be clean, dust and mould free. Mycotoxins produced by mould can cause a mare to become infertile or to abort. Never hesitate to throw feed away if you have any doubts about its quality.

Nicola Tyler B.Sc. (Hons), Nutrition Director, TopSpec Equine Limited.