PG . 33 considered to be adequate for pregnant and especially for lactating mares . In over 50 % of pasture samples , the calcium : phosphorus ratios were below the minimum of 1:1 . Levels below this trigger the body to release parathyroid hormone ( PTH ) to remove calcium from the bones to support blood and milk levels . This invariably leads to varying degrees of osteoporosis .
Once a mare foals and lactation begins , changes in blood calcium and PTH may develop . This is related to dietary calcium and the huge calcium demand of milk production ( Table 2 ). Low blood calcium develops when milk synthesis exceeds the calcium supply in the diet . This is a greater danger for mares grazing pastures containing sub-tropical grasses that are high in oxalates . In mares that don ’ t require hand-feeding , use of a wellformulated , low sugar / molasses mineral block can be provided to supply calcium , copper , iodine , selenium and other nutrients frequently deficient in pasture .
Minerals are critically important to the foetal foal because the liver stores of copper , zinc and manganese must be built during late gestation . Supplementing mares and / or their foals after foaling has no effect on levels in the foal ’ s body or in milk – it is only when in-utero that the foal can accumulate the minerals it will need to protect and support bone and joint growth and health after birth . The number of joint problems is lower and the rate of spontaneous resolution much higher in foals born of mares that were correctly supplemented during pregnancy .
VITAMIN E Feeding extra vitamin E for 4 weeks before and after foaling has a big effect on the quality of the colostrum .
Measuring the foals IgG levels with 24 hours after birth is routine to assess the immune status of the foal – which is directly related to the IgG levels in the colostrum . Providing extra vitamin E increases the quality of the colostrum - and the milk for 3 days after birth - in terms of IgG and IgM levels . This increase is transferred to the foal and is reflected in the foal blood . Another nutrient that positively affects the immune status and the development of a well-functioning immune system of the foal is omega 3 fatty acids – this is easily done by gradually introducing up to 2 cups of linseed oil to the mares diet .
The pregnant broodmare presents a challenge as nutrient supplementation is indicated for at least the last trimester to support rapid foetal growth . She is unique from other classes of horses , due to an increased systemic demand for nutrients during pregnancy , parturition , and lactation . Using multiple supplements in an attempt to meet individual nutrient needs can be risky and lead to overlaps and imbalances .
For vitamin A , iodine , selenium and zinc – all of which can be toxic in large amounts – this can easily happen if several supplements are fed . Biotin hoof supplements often contain high levels of zinc . A well-formulated pellet that removes the need for multiple supplements takes the guess work out of feeding the pregnant mares and removes the potential for over-supplementation . Ultimately , if you ’ re unsure about the levels of starch , sugar , minerals and vitamins in the feeds you provide your horse , particularly if the horse has been compromised by a carbohydraterelated digestive or metabolic condition , consult with an equine veterinary nutritionist or the feed manufacturer .
DISCLAIMER : © Jenquine August 2021 All content provided in this editorial is for general use and information only and does not constitute advice or a veterinary opinion . It is not intended as specific medical advice or opinion and should not be relied on in place of consultation with your equine veterinarian .
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AQHA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE 2021