PG . 31
It can be a juggle feeding the mare in the lead-up to foaling – and its different again once she ’ s foaled . There are many benefits in understanding the finer points of how diet and pregnancy affect our mares and then following a few simple guidelines .
Guidelines for pregnant mares
• keep starch / sugar intake low
• fibre / oil diets are best for many reasons
• provide good protein ( soy , lucerne )
• provide extra minerals in the last few months
• avoid excess weight !
• Vitamin E boosts colostrum quality
Two important things to keep in mind when making decisions on diet , are that during pregnancy , more than anything the mare needs vitamins , minerals and protein ; after foaling her main requirement is for energy ( TABLES 1 ). Even in the last few months of pregnancy , the mare doesn ’ t need lots more energy . After foaling , she does .
AQHA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE 2021