Before breeding, it isn't necessary to change the mare's feed. As long as she is in good condition (a body conditioning score of 5 or 6; see body condition scoring learning module for more information), she can be fed a maintenance diet up to about eight months of gestation. Just make sure the majority of her diet consists of a good quality grass hay. Figure about 1.5 percent of the body weight should be consumed as hay (1,000 lb horse, about 15 lb). During late gestation, she needs to have an increase in protein, energy, and vitamins and minerals, so adding alfalfa will help, along with providing a feed that is formulated for the mare and foal.
These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
Welcome
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
eXtension: more mind reach
Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts
Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
This resource area was created by the: Horses community
