Optimal feeding for foals: key phases and nutrition needs
Proper feed and nutrition is one of the most important components for the development of foals in their first year. During this period, the foal undergoes enormous physical development and the foundation for a healthy intestinal flora is laid.
The first 24 hours after birth
During the first 24 hours after birth, a foal receives its first milk from the mare, known as colostrum. The antibodies in colostrum can easily pass through the foal’s intestinal wall during this time. Colostrum is highly concentrated, containing essential nutrients and antibodies that provide protection against external influences and support the foal’s immune system. Therefore, it is crucial that every foal receives sufficient colostrum within the first 24 hours after birth, with the first 6 to 8 hours being the most critical. If a foal hasn’t nursed from the mare within the first three hours, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian. It is also essential to preserve the colostrum. If the foal refuses to nurse from the mare, it is best to milk the mare to collect the colostrum.
Supplementing the foal in the first three months
During the first few months, the foal relies on nursing from its mother. A mare’s milk contains sufficient building blocks and nutrients for the foal’s growth. The nutrition of the mare greatly influences the quality of the milk. For instance, the protein requirement of a lactating mare doubles. Feeding protein-rich products such as Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus is a good addition to meet this requirement.
Foals often observe and mimic the behaviour of their mothers, which may lead them to taste small bites of their mother’s diet as early as four weeks of age. Foals born later in the season may start eating their first bites of grass in the pasture. After two to three months, the quality and quantity of the mare’s milk decrease. The foal begins eating its first bites of foal pellets or muesli, in addition to sufficient roughage. As the foal starts obtaining nutrients from other sources, its desire to nurse diminishes.
During the early months of the year, pastures may still be bare and wet. Foals born early in the year often have limited access to grass. For these foals, Hartog Grass Mix is an excellent option to supplement their diet during this period. Hartog Grass Mix is a good grass substitute, as it retains more nutrients compared to sun-dried forages due to rapid drying. The short and soft structure is highly suitable for young foals from 4 to 6 weeks old.
Feeding a foal from four to six months
At the end of the four to six-month period, a warmblood foal (with an expected adult weight of approximately 600 kg) should consume at least one kilogram of foal pellets or foal muesli. Smaller or hardy breeds require proportionately less concentrate feed. If concentrate feed cannot be provided, a supplement can be chosen, but a forage analysis is necessary. Only after analysing the forage can any potential mineral deficiencies be identified. If good-quality forage and foal pellets are offered, a supplement is usually unnecessary. Excessive mineral intake from concentrates or supplements can result in imbalances.
Foal pellets and muesli specifically designed for foals cannot be compared to regular horse feed. The ingredients are specifically tailored to the nutritional needs of foals. Considerations include amino acid profiles, sufficient protein content, and appropriate starch levels. The composition of vitamins and minerals is also given special attention, as proper mineral balance matters for healthy bone and joint development. The energy content in foal pellets is limited to prevent overly rapid growth.
When it comes to feeding advice for foals, the focus is often on selecting the right concentrate feed. However, the importance of appropriate roughage should not be underestimated. High-quality, fine and green hay is often rich in the proteins needed for growth. Fibre is essential for the development of a healthy gut flora in foals. Conversely, wet, acidic, mouldy and stemmy roughage can negatively affect the foal’s gut flora. Hartog Grass Mix is soft, green and nutrient-rich, with artificial drying ensuring consistent quality. The added glycerine and a small amount of molasses enhance palatability, and the mix sticks to the muzzle, which encourages playful intake of roughage.
A foal six months and older
After six months (sometimes earlier), the foal can be fully weaned and depends on the diet provided in the stable. Offering unlimited roughage prevents boredom and supports a healthy digestive system. Weaning can be a stressful period for a foal. The separation from the mare and the associated stress can contribute to gastric issues such as ulcers. Sufficient roughage for chewing and adequate stimulation (such as keeping the foal with other foals) are highly desirable. Choose roughage with at least 12.5% crude protein to meet the nutritional needs of foals. When stressed or given too much concentrate feed, starch quickly flows into the hindgut, as starch digestion is not yet fully developed in a six-month-old foal. Therefore, it is recommended to divide concentrate feed into small portions and always provide unlimited clean drinking water and roughage.
Tip: If your roughage lacks sufficient protein or if you have doubts about its composition, Hartog Compact Grass is an excellent alternative. Replace (part of) your roughage with Compact Grass to enhance the quality of the forage ration. Compact Grass offers consistent quality, naturally contains numerous nutrients, and is easy to store.
