Feeding a mare in foal

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Dr Ruth

15 January, 2001

Feeding tips for mum's to be

Maintenance feeds are low in energy and protein and high in fibre. Stud feeds are usually high energy, 15% or 16% protein and lower in fibre
Overfeeding in late pregnancy has been associated with poor subsequent fertility, therefore it will pay to continually watch your mare's weight
Any attempt to slim down a fat mare during her pregnancy should be done in the first eight months and not in the final three months of gestation. Otherwise, her health and fertility after foaling could be affected
While there is little scientific evidence to show that fat mares have more difficulty foaling, they will always be less active, and their poorer muscle tone could affect the expulsion of the placenta.