FEEDING.
EATING FOR TWO ENSURING THAT YOUR MARE HAS AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF NUTRIENTS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HER PREGNANCY IS KEY TO PRODUCING A HEALTHY FOAL. HELEN TRIGGS GETS SOME EXPERT ADVICE.
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here are many factors which affect the breeding of a perfect dressage horse. However, the best bloodlines in the world won’t be enough if the care of the brood mare is inadequate. Good nutrition is the foundation for a successful pregnancy and healthy offspring. Not providing adequate nutrition at any stage can mean problems later in life for the youngstock. Simple guidelines are: • Check body condition throughout the pregnancy • Make sure vitamin and mineral levels areadequate • Don’t allow the mare to become obese • Evaluate the feed required throughout the different stages of pregnancy • Make sure there is access to high quality forage and fresh water • Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from a specialist nutritionist. “Some years ago the impact of incorrect feeding on developmental orthopaedic diseases was discovered,” comments Olwen Lloyd, MA Vet MB MRCVS. “Originally the focus was on overfeeding but we now know
that underfeeding is just as bad.” “The focus should be on quality not quantity – feed a good quality balancer appropriate to the mare’s condition. Not all balancers are equal and breeders should stay away from products with excessive sugars and starch which will either make the mare and/ or foal unhealthily fat. It’s important to feed products which contain quality protein and amino acids, not ones with a high level of nonessential protein.”
FIRST STEPS “Feeding the broodmare should start prior to breeding as correct nutrition at this stage will help to support successful conception,” says Stephanie George Msc RNutr, Sport and Leisure Nutritionist at Saracen Horse Feeds. “Feeding each mare as an individual can also be beneficial in ensuring she is getting the right nutrition to meet her requirements. “The mare’s body condition should be monitored regularly to make sure that there is no fluctuation in weight. Ideally the broodmare should remain in moderate condition the whole way through the pregnancy. To achieve this, dietary adjustments will need to be made in relation to the quality and availability of the forage that she is receiving to ensure that her calorie requirements are met.” Even before the process starts, it’s important that the mare is fit and healthy to achieve a positive conception. If you have been feeding a supplement to help with ‘marish’ behaviour or control ovulation, it should be stopped and the mare allowed to come into season once or twice before covering. Most supplementation, such as
