Reproduction - CRF Horse Nutrition Guide
Reproduction
| CRF Horse Nutrition Guide |
|
|
| CRF Equine Research Trials |
|
|
1. Breeding – Balanced nutrition has a positive effect on breeding efficiency. A mare that is gaining weight or has a body condition of 4.0 - 7.0 is more likely to conceive than a mare that is under condition (body condition score less than 4.5) or losing weight. Obesity should be avoided. During the breeding season, the stallion may need additional feed due to increased activity.
2. Gestation – During the first nine months of gestation, the broodmare should be fed close to maintenance level to avoid obesity, but particular attention should be paid to the protein quality of the diet, as well as the balance of calcium and phosphorous and the levels of copper and zinc fed. Most fetal growth occurs during the last 2½ months of gestation. Increased fetal growth requires more energy, protein (amino acids), vitamins, minerals and water. It is important that the mare receives an adequate amount of a well-balanced diet to help ensure a strong, vigorous foal. Deficiencies of nutrients during gestation may impair fetal skeletal development and may also have an effect on the mare, leaving her in a thin condition. A lowered body condition, in turn, may reduce milk production for the growing foal. Excessive feeding in early gestation may result in obesity, which may increase the incidence of foaling difficulties. Mares should be kept fit and not fat, with a maximum body condition of 6.0.
3. Foaling Time – It is important that the foal receive colostrum soon (within 12 hours) after birth to help develop immunity against infectious diseases.
4. Lactation – This is one of the greatest nutritional stresses a horse will ever have. To help ensure maximum milk production, the lactating mare will require more feed of higher digestible energy and protein content than at any other time of its life. Mares can produce over 40 pounds of milk per day during peak lactation. Failure to meet the lactating mare’s demand for all nutrients results in decreased milk production and weight loss. Mares are susceptible to colic after foaling. Therefore it may be wise to limit the feed for up to five days after foaling.
| |
Hay1 (lb) |
Horse Feed2 (lb) |
First 9 Months
of Gestation |
1 1/4 to 2 |
¼ to ½ |
Last 2½ Months
of Gestation |
1 to 1 1/2 |
½ to ¾ |
| Lactation |
1 to 2 |
¾ to 1½ |
1 Based on Nutrient Recommendations of Horses, 6th Revised Edition, 2007.
2 Formulated with adequate protein, minerals and vitamins to meet requirements
when fed with hay. |