Pregnant mare feed requirements
During pregnancy, lactation, and the early growth phase of the foal, nutrition plays a crucial role. Lack of attention or an incorrect diet can lead to poor outcomes. That’s why this article emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for feeding a pregnant mare and rearing healthy foals. Below, we provide additional information and feeding tips for rearing and lactation periods, as well as selecting pregnant mare feed.
Feed to support mare fertility
To support fertility, mares require a healthy supply of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A is particularly important for fertility, and a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to poor fertility. Vitamin A is derived from beta-carotene, which is abundant in grass, lucerne, and carrots. Lucerne is also rich in vitamin E and folic acid (vitamin B11). Therefore, adding extra lucerne, such as Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus, to the diet can improve the quality of the mare’s diet and support normal fertility. It can be especially helpful in winter and early spring when mares are not yet grazing and need additional vitamin E.
Pregnant mare feed
Feeding a mare in foal requires special attention during the last three months of pregnancy and throughout the lactation period. During this time, the mare’s body uses significantly more protein and energy. In fact, during lactation, the need for protein and energy doubles.
Key minerals for feeding a pregnant mare include:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Zinc and manganese
These minerals are essential for the growth and development of the unborn foal. Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus is particularly well-suited as a pregnant mare feed due to its high calcium content, which supports the mare’s condition and the bone development of the unborn foal.
Mare’s nutritional needs in lactation
During the first months of milk production, also known as lactation, a 600 kg mare uses approximately 1115 grams of protein (VREp) per day. For comparison, a 600 kg mare used only for recreational riding requires about 365 grams of protein (VREp) per day. This means the protein requirements for a lactating mare at least double!
Proper nutrition during these stages sets the foundation for a healthy, strong foal and supports the well-being of the mare. Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus can be an excellent addition to mare and foal feed to meet the increased protein demands and ensure that both the mare and the foal receive the necessary nutrients.
Roughage feed for foals
It’s common for mares to share feed with their foals. By giving mares roughage-based feed, the foal is introduced to fibre-rich feed at an early age. This early exposure helps the foal’s digestive system adapt to processing fibre-rich feeds as it grows. Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus can be combined with mare pellets. It can also be an ideal roughage feed for young horses, as it’s rich in calcium and provides essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine, which are important for muscle development and growth.
Horse feed for broodmares
As mentioned above, Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus can be a beneficial addition to the horse’s ration during pregnancy, lactation, and the rearing of young horses. The high calcium content of Lucerne Mix, along with its folic acid and beta-carotene, provides important nutrients for fertility and reproduction. During gestation and lactation, maintaining a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is vital for the mare’s overall condition and the bone development of the unborn foal. The importance of feeding a pregnant mare the right mix of nutrients cannot be overstated for achieving a healthy foal and mare condition.
