Caring for your foal begins before they are even on the ground. As your broodmare starts reaching her third trimester mark, her nutrient requirements begin to spike in preparation for final stages in foal development and lactation. We know that we do not want to make any rash feed changes to avoid gastric upset, so being proactive is the best way to start making timely diet adjustments. The goal is to maintain the mare’s body condition, starting by slowly and safely increasing her feed during the end of the second trimester or at the beginning of the third trimester. It is best to work with an equine nutritionist and veterinarian to ensure that your mare is receiving the appropriate levels of all required nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, which are vital for setting the foal up for success.
Stress Management, Gut Health, and Foal Development
Additionally, during the last trimester and after foaling, the mare goes through more changes than usual. She is often moved to a new living situation, has frequent visits with the vet, and is ultimately caring for a newborn foal while her body heals from foaling out. These changes are undoubtedly stressful and may negatively impact her gut microbiome. Not only can you help the mare nutritionally by having an appropriate highly fortified diet, but you can consider offering some kind of gastric or gut support to help keep the mare’s microbiome in a happy state.
The Role of Bioavailability in Passive Transfer
Another element to consider is passive transfer. We’ve heard about passive transfer when we think about immunity, but what about nutrition? This is where high-quality nutrition comes into play. The more quality and bio-available the nutrients are, the more likely the mare will absorb the nutrition and put it to work for a healthy mare and foal. The success of passive transfer is dependent on a healthy mare, with a primed and functioning immune system. Your nutrition plan has a significant impact on this.
Another, seemingly related element is the concept of nutritional programming. Maternal over nutrition or under nutrition can influence foal performance or even predispose them to metabolic disease as adults. As continued research investigates these concepts further, what we can determine is that nutrition and care of the broodmare is critical for foal development and further success.
Feed Solutions: Powering Health with Elk Grove Milling
Elk Grove Milling, Inc. feeds provide solutions to broodmare and foal demands with a comprehensive feed line offering complete feeds (hay stretchers), performance feeds (concentrates), and a ration balancer.
Our use of organic minerals enhances the bioavailability of these building blocks for immune function and development of the foal. Elevated absorption rates of these minerals impact colostrum quality, and research has shown that colostrum from mares supplemented with organic mineral sources (instead of sulfates) have higher concentrations of critical immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA).
Beyond mineral supplementation, digestive health is a non-negotiable component of a comprehensive program. Elk Grove Milling’s feed lines combine gut and antioxidant support with live yeast cultures, organic selenium, and maximize fiber digestion to help reduce instances of acidosis from stress or feed changes. A thriving digestive environment means the mare is absorbing critical nutrition needed for rapid tissue repair during the postpartum period and supporting continuous milk production.
By proactively transitioning your broodmare onto a scientifically backed, nutrient-dense feed program like Stable MAX, you are not just feeding a pregnant horse; you are actively optimizing the health, immunity, and lifelong potential of your foal.
Ready to Optimize Your Broodmare’s Diet?
Do you need help piecing this all together and creating a diet for your horse? Contact Elk Grove Milling, Inc. for a free nutritional consultation on their products.
Apply for a Free Consultation Here
Lindsey Close, PAS Professional Animal Scientist Director of Operations and Sales Manager
Elk Grove Milling, Inc. Phone: 916-684-2056 Email: lindsey@elkgrovemilling.com Website:www.elkgrovemilling.com
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