Feeding for life stages

Feeding the pregnant mare

• Additional energy required in final trimester.

• Not much more is required than for normal maintenance, but this increases as weight increases.

• Feed quality, not quantity.• Reduced space in

abdomen available for food.

Pregnancy dietMonth of gestation

Intake (% of bodyweight)

Diet proportions (%)

Concentrate

Diet proportions (%)

Hay

Protein (%)

9 1.5 - 2 20 80 9

10 1.5 - 2 20 80 9.5

11 1.5 - 2 30 70 10

(Cuddeford, 1996)

• Avoid too fat / too thin – maintain a “fit” condition.

• Exposure to poor weather / low temperatures = increase in energy required.

• Feed good quality roughage, containing digestible fibre.

• In most cases, concentrates are needed as well in final trimester (depending on season / grass).

Feeding the lactating mare

• A 500kg mare will produce approx. 20kg milk / day.

• Doubles the need for energy (compared to maintenance).

• Good quality pasture can provide all that’s needed.

• Poor quality / limited grass needs to be supplemented by stud cubes.

• Extra 50L water / day required.

Lactation diet

Stage Intake (% of bodyweight)

Diet proportions (%)

Concentrate

Diet proportions (%)

Hay

Protein (%)

Foaling – 12 weeks

2 – 3 50 50 12

12 weeks - weaning

2 – 2.5 35 65 10

(Cuddeford, 1996)

Feeding the growing youngster

• Crucial to get colostrum within 36 hours of birth.

• Mare’s milk is usually adequate for 1st 12 wks.

• Will start to graze and eat hay & mare’s feed soon after birth.

• Creep feeds can be given.• Avoid feeding for rapid

growth (to maximise bone deposition & avoid developmental orthopaedic disease).

Growth dietAge Intake (% of

bodyweight)Diet proportions

(%)

Concentrate

Diet proportions (%)

Hay

Protein (%)

0-3 months 2.5- 3.5 100 0 16

Weaning 2.5- 3.5 70 30 13

12 months 2 – 3 60 40 12

18 months 2 – 2.5 50 50 11

24 months 2 – 2.5 50 50 10

(Cuddeford, 1996)

• Rough guide – feed 450g of creep feed / day for every month of age.

• Use a compound feed for young stock.• Must be balanced to ensure healthy, strong

growth (helping to avoid DOD).• Aim for a smooth growth curve.

• Foals have a limited digestive ability (immature hind gut).

Feeding the stallion

• Depends on nature (how stressed he gets).

• Generally, treat as for light work.

• Rising plane of nutrition as season approaches.

• Good quality roughage.• Extra concentrates may be

needed in covering season. • Ensure a balanced diet –

good supply of vitamins/ minerals.

Feeding the geriatric horse

• What factors are there to consider?

• Teeth;• Reduced digestion and absorption function;• Body condition;• Specific problems, e.g. Cushings, laminitis,

arthritis.

Pointers for feeding the geriatric horse• Make dental corrections. • Use short strand fibre / soak

pellets into a soup. • Ensure palatability.• Feed small, frequent meals. • Feed good quality protein,

e.g. soybean meal.• Yeast cultures & extruded

feeds may aid digestion. • Feed oil if underweight. • Reduce starch intake. • Beware of younger horses

monopolising feed.