Introduction 👶

Foals begin their journey of growth and development even before birth, and the mare's nutrition plays a critical role in ensuring the foal’s health. From birth to weaning, nutrition is the foundation of a foal's future success as a strong, healthy horse. Dr Duncan Houston outlines key insights into foal nutrition, providing expert tips for owners to support foal growth, prevent diseases, and achieve balanced development in 2025.

1. The Importance of Mare's Nutrition During Pregnancy 🍏

The foal’s growth begins even before birth. The mare’s nutrition during pregnancy directly influences the health and development of the foal. Adequate protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy ensure the foal gets the best start. Key points to consider:

• 🍽️ Well-balanced diet: Ensure the mare receives enough calories, protein, and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, D, and E.
• 🍃 Forage-based diet: Good-quality hay should make up the majority of the mare’s feed, supplemented by grain as needed, particularly in late pregnancy.
• 💧 Hydration: Provide fresh water at all times for both mare and foal to ensure proper nutrient absorption and lactation.

2. Foal's First Milk: The Key to Strong Development 🍼

At birth, the foal’s primary source of nutrition comes from the mare’s milk, which contains essential nutrients to kickstart their development:

• 💪 Colostrum: The mare’s first milk, rich in antibodies, provides critical immune protection during the foal’s early weeks.
• 🍽️ Milk intake: Foals typically nurse up to 70 times per day, consuming around 30 pounds of milk during the first few months.

For foals, milk is the best source of energy and immunity. The mare’s milk contains high amounts of fat, protein, and vitamins, perfect for rapid growth. However, by the second month of lactation, the nutrient content of mare’s milk decreases, which is when supplementation becomes important.

3. Transition to Solid Foods: When and How to Supplement 🐾

By the second month, foals need more than just milk to support healthy growth. The transition from milk to solid food must be done carefully to avoid problems like orthopedic diseases:

• 🍽️ Supplemental feeding: Introduce concentrated foal feed gradually starting from about 2 months of age. A good rule is to feed 1 pound of dry foal feed per month of age—2 lbs for a 2-month-old foal and 3 lbs for a 3-month-old foal.
• 🔒 No free-choice feeding: Limit grain intake to prevent obesity, which can lead to developmental orthopedic diseases.

High-quality, digestible feeds are essential. Foals have small stomachs and can only handle small amounts of solid food at a time, so feeding smaller, more frequent meals is ideal.

4. Why Ration Balancing is Crucial: Avoiding Orthopedic Issues ⚖️

If foals are fed an unbalanced diet, especially if they are given too much grain or not enough specialized feed, they are at risk for developing orthopedic problems, such as contracted tendons or angular limb deformities. Proper balancing is key:

• 🦴 Growth rates: Foals should receive balanced rations tailored to their growth stage to prevent overgrowth when transitioning to new feeds.
• 🥗 Correct calcium-phosphorus ratios: Calcium and phosphorus must be balanced to ensure strong bones and healthy muscle function.

A foal fed a mare's balanced diet without supplementation may grow too slowly or develop issues upon transitioning to new feed. Proper balance ensures smooth growth and avoids unnecessary strain on growing bones and joints.

5. Creep Feeding: Best Practices 🐄

Some owners use creep feeding (providing supplemental feed to foals while allowing access to their mother’s milk). However, free-choice feeding is not recommended for foals. Dr Duncan Houston advises:

• 🍽️ Portion control: Feed foals a fixed amount of creep feed rather than allowing them to eat freely to avoid rapid weight gain.
• 🍀 Quality feed: Ensure the feed is specifically formulated for foals to provide all essential nutrients, and monitor for any signs of overfeeding or obesity.
• 🚶‍♂️ Socialization with the mare: Foals should be allowed to nurse as needed while also learning to eat solid food alongside their mother.

Restricting free-choice feeding helps avoid the risks of obesity and other metabolic disorders while providing steady nutrition as foals mature.

6. Weaning and Transitioning to Adult Diets 🐴

The weaning process should be gradual to ensure that the foal’s digestive system and nutritional needs are met. Here’s how to manage this important stage:

• 🌱 Gradual introduction to solid feed: Continue to increase the amount of creep feed as the foal begins to rely less on the mare’s milk.
• 🍖 Transition to hay: Offer free-choice hay and gradually reduce milk intake. Ensure the foal is receiving enough fiber to aid digestion.
• ⚖️ Balanced adult feed: Once fully weaned, switch to a balanced diet suitable for their growing body. A nutrient-rich grain supplement may be necessary for the early stages of weaning.

Weaning too abruptly can cause stress and digestive issues, so it’s essential to monitor the foal's diet carefully during this transition period.

7. Monitoring Foal Growth 📊

Track the foal’s progress regularly to ensure they’re growing at a healthy rate. Keep an eye out for:

• 📏 Growth charts: Monitor weight gain and measure the foal’s body condition regularly.
• 🩺 Physical examination: Watch for signs of developmental orthopedic diseases like angular limb deformities or contracted tendons.
• 🏃‍♂️ Activity level: Healthy foals are active and curious—any signs of lethargy or discomfort should be addressed promptly.

Good growth is an indication that the foal is receiving the right balance of nutrients, so regular monitoring is key to ensuring proper development.

8. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid 🚫

To give your foal the best start in life, avoid these common feeding mistakes:

• 🍬 Overfeeding grain: Can lead to obesity and developmental problems.
• 🍏 Inconsistent feeding schedules: Foals need consistency in both their feed and routine.
• 🍂 Not enough quality forage: Ensure access to fresh, good-quality hay at all times.

9. Final Advice from Dr. Duncan Houston 🧑‍⚕️

• 🍽️ Balance is key: Feed foals a balanced diet, including quality forage, creep feed, and supplements when necessary.
• ⚖️ Monitor growth: Regularly assess weight, condition, and bone health to prevent orthopedic diseases.
• 🌱 Consistent care: Maintain a steady feeding schedule and avoid free-choice feeding to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders.

Need Help with Foal Nutrition? Ask A Vet 📲

If you need personalized advice on your foal’s feeding plan, growth, or health concerns, download the Ask A Vet app today. Our expert veterinarians, including Dr Duncan Houston, are here to help guide you through your foal’s nutrition journey with the best advice and tailored care plans. 🐴💡