Broodmares should be fed a concentrate that is formulated for the needs of mares and foals. Depending on the size of the mare, concentrate intakes usually will range from 5 to 12 pounds per day in early lactation and then decrease as the mare approaches weaning.

What are the nutrient requirements for a pregnant mare?

During the last 90 days of pregnancy, mares should be fed crude protein at 10%, digestible energy 1.2 Mcal/lb, 0.45% calcium, 0.35% phosphorus, and 1,150 IU/lb vitamin A. Of course, overnutrition is more likely to a problem than undernutrition in thoroughbreds and quarter horses.

What are the percentage requirements of the essential nutrients which the pregnant mare will need in order to maintain a healthy weight and pregnancy?

As an average, most mares will require from 1.5 to 1.75 percent of their body weight in high quality roughage daily to satisfy nutrient requirements. Whether on good pasture or hay or both, dry mares in early pregnancy need only to be provided good water and access to a mineralized salt block or mix.

How much grain should I feed my lactating mare?

Many mares in the first three months of lactation will require between 10 to 15 pounds of a commercial grain mix per day to meet their increased nutrient requirements. Dividing this into two or three meals per day can help reduce the risk of digestive upset and increase nutrient digestion and absorption.

How much should I feed my mare?

What should I feed my broodmare?

Feeding high quality hays will provide most of the nutrients needed by broodmares. Good quality pasture may be able to replace some or all of the hay fed. However, during winter or where pasture availability is limited, mares will need to be supplemented with hay.

What should you feed a broodmare during pregnancy?

Feeding Advice Mares at grass with low calorie requirements should have access to Stud Balancer to ensure all essential nutrient requirements are met. As pregnancy progresses, Stud Mix or Cubes may be more appropriate to provide the additional energy to maintain condition and support the growing foetus.

How much feed does a nursing mare need?

A lactating mare usually requires between 2 and 3 percent of her body weight in total feed (hay + grain) daily.

Is alfalfa good for pregnant mares?

The short answer is yes, it is perfectly acceptable to feed your mares alfalfa hay. If the hay is moderate quality or better, your mares will likely have no trouble maintaining their weight.

How can I increase my mare’s milk production?

Mares need energy and high-quality protein for milk production (14% crude protein grain mix). Generally an increase in grain volume will supply more energy. 2. Low lactating mares consuming fescue pasture or hay may benefit from a veterinary-prescribed paste marketed as Equi-tox to increase milk production.

What to feed mares after foaling?

Calcium requirements increase post-natally to 50-60g daily for an average-sized mare. However, for efficient absorption, it is important that calcium is fed with phosphorous, at a ratio of around 1.5-2:1 (Ca:P) — supplementing with di-calcium phosphate will ensure that the correct ratio is fed.

What should I feed my mare?

Dry mares in early gestation can basically be fed like any other mature, idle horse. Good quality pasture or hay along with a supplement such as Purina® Free Balance 12:12 vitamin/mineral supplement or Enrich Plus® Ration Balancing horse feed may be all that is necessary to meet these mares’ nutritional requirements.

What is the best feed for foals born from mares?

Foals born from these supplemented mares also had significantly higher growth rates during the first seven weeks of life compared to foals born from unsupplemented mares (Glade and Luba, 1987). Protein feeds that contain high levels of essential amino acids include soyabean meal, canola meal and lupins.

Why is it important to feed your broodmare during pregnancy?

Good nutrition throughout pregnancy is essential to the health of both mare and foal. Adjust your broodmare’s diet as gestation progresses to meet her changing nutrient needs. Feeding The Broodmare: Eating for Two | Horse Journals

What are the most important macrominerals in a broodmare diet?

The most crucial macrominerals in a broodmare’s diet are calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Calcium and phosphorus, in particular, are critical to the healthy development of the fetus.

Should pregnant mares be fed a supplement diet?

Low levels of minerals and trace minerals in pregnant mare diets have been shown to increase the risk of skeletal disease in foals and as a consequence, it is now normal farm practice for most mares to be fed supplemented diets at least during the last trimester of pregnancy if not all the way through pregnancy.