HORSE KEEPING

Weaning woes. It’s always helpful to wean foals with other foals they know, or a calm adult horse that is not their dam. This reduces the stress of separation.

WEANING A FOAL

How to prevent stress for mare and baby.

BY KATERINE PARD, CINDY COOKE, AND HEATHER MACINNIS

Separating a foal from its mother can be a stressful time for the mother and even more so for the baby. There are many tricks to make the transition easier and less risky for both animals.

MARE

Ideally, three to four days before the foal is weaned, supplemental feed is removed from the mare to decrease milk production and reduce the risk of mastitis. The feed can be reintroduced when the udder has returned to its normal shape, which can take approximately 10 days to three weeks. Even if the mare loses some weight, she will be able to gain it back later. It is very important that the mare can move during this period, so that her udder can shrink.

Minerals and vitamins should still be served during this period, but be careful with the protein content of the supplement because if it is high, it will stimulate milk production. Putting the mare on Purina Optimal is recommended for this stage.

It is very important that the mare has access to plenty of water during this period. Do not hesitate to seek a nutritionist’s advice approximately one month after weaning in order to adjust the mare’s ration to her new needs, whether she returns to work or is pregnant again.

FOAL

The foal will be the most stressed during the transition. Their immune system can be affected, as well as a threat of stomach ulcers and an increased risk of developmental problems. There are tips to minimize this potentially difficult situation. Ideally, the foal should be weaned between the ages of four and six months. Before this period, milk is essential to its diet; after this period, the level of stress is more intense. In order to know if the foal is ready to be weaned, there are some conditions to consider.

CHECKLIST:

• Foals must be socialized with horses other than their mothers. • They must be nutritionally independent, which means they eat hay and feed/supplement, at least with their mother. Foals learn to eat grain by imitation, so it is much easier for them to learn to do so with their mother. • They must be emotionally independent, which means they do not show signs of panic when temporarily separated from their mother.

A week before weaning the foal, introducing a third horse to the mare and foal can be beneficial. An adult horse that is calm and forgives the foal for the energy they may have at play is an ideal candidate. On the day of weaning, the mare is removed and the foal is left with the other horse. When foals are weaned in groups, it is advisable to remove the dams one at a time, leaving the foals together. During this period, we recommend the mare staying on Evolution Maternity for a month. After that we recommend continuing the feed, vitamins and minerals transitioning for the foal (either Juvenile or Optimal) according to the weight and flesh level of the foal.

It is preferable to complete weaning quickly rather than using a slow approach, as much for the mother as for the foal. Studies have shown that using a quick approach results in a lower stress level for the foal, and the risk of mastitis is reduced for the mare. It can also be beneficial to let them see each other, for example, through a sturdy fence.

Studies have also shown that the more time you spend with your recently weaned foal, the lower their stress level will be, so have fun with your foals and make their lives easier!

Contact your Consultant Nutritionist today @Purina Connect, via Facebook on Purina Canada Equine, at 1-888-458-6914 or connect@equipurina.ca. AB

It is preferable to complete weaning quickly rather than using a slow approach, as much for the mother as for the foal.

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