THERE’S no better sound on earth than a foal’s first suck on its dam. It’s the moment the owner or handler can take a first breath, knowing the colostrum is doing its vital work to protect your newborn and that everything is on track.

Mare’s milk is the first and most important source of nutrition for a newborn foal. It provides essential nutrients, immune protection, and hydration, ensuring the foal’s healthy growth and development.

What’s in Mare’s Milk?

Colostrum: the first essential feed

The first milk produced by a mare after foaling is called colostrum, and it is crucial for the foal’s survival. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies), which provide passive immunity against infections. Because foals are born without a developed immune system, they must consume colostrum within the first 12 to 24 hours of life to absorb these antibodies effectively. If a foal does not receive enough colostrum, it may require a plasma transfusion to boost its immunity.

2. Proteins and fats: building blocks for growth

After the colostrum phase, the mare produces transitional milk that gradually becomes regular milk. Mare’s milk contains casein and whey proteins, which are essential for muscle and tissue development. These proteins are easily digestible, ensuring the foal can efficiently absorb nutrients.

Mare’s milk is relatively low in fat, averaging 1-2%, which is much lower than cow’s milk. This makes it easier for foals to digest, while still providing enough energy for steady growth. Unlike species with higher-fat milk (such as cows or goats), horses rely more on frequent nursing and gradual introduction to solid foods.

3. Lactose: a key energy source

Mare’s milk is high in lactose (milk sugar), which provides the foal with a quick and easily digestible energy source. This high lactose content is one of the reasons cow’s milk is not a suitable substitute for orphaned foals – it has different sugar and fat ratios, which can cause digestive upset.

4. Minerals and vitamins for strong bones

Proper bone development is critical for a growing foal, and mare’s milk supplies essential minerals, including:

  • Calcium and phosphorus – Important for bone strength and density.
  • Magnesium – Aids in muscle function and nerve signalling.
  • Potassium and sodium – Help regulate hydration and electrolyte balance.

    • Mare’s milk also contains vitamins A, D and E, which support immune function, vision, and overall cell health. Vitamin D, in particular, is crucial for calcium absorption and bone formation.

    Why is mare’s milk important for the foal?

    1. Supports early growth and development

    Mare’s milk provides all the nutrients a foal needs for the first few months of life. In the wild, foals nurse frequently - sometimes every 30 to 60 minutes - to ensure they get enough energy and hydration.

    2. Helps build immunity

    Beyond nutrition, the antibodies in colostrum protect the foal from disease until its immune system matures. Without this protection, foals are vulnerable to infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and diarrhea.

    3. Prepares the Foal for Weaning

    As the foal grows, its digestive system gradually adapts to solid food. By three to four months, the nutrient concentration in mare’s milk naturally declines, encouraging the foal to start consuming grass, hay and grain. This transition prepares it for full weaning at around four to six months.Mare’s milk is perfectly formulated to meet the needs of a growing foal, from immune support to bone and muscle development. Ensuring a foal receives high-quality milk - especially in the critical first hours of life – sets the foundation for a healthy horse.