Get Broodmares Ready Now for Healthy Spring Foals

Your pregnant mare’s foaling date may still be months away, but there are a few things to think about right now to assure a healthy mare and foal next spring.

In early pregnancy, the broodmare doesn’t need any particular boost to her nutrition, as the fetus is very small and does not significantly increase the mare’s feed requirements. However, as she enters the last trimester, the mare will probably need additional high-quality hay and grain. After the seventh month when the fetus is growing much more rapidly, the need for protein and minerals is greater. Feeding a fortified feed designed for late-pregnant mares should give the broodmare the nutrients she requires at this time.

If the mare has been grazing fescue pastures, removing her to a fescue-free area during the last trimester of pregnancy will eliminate most of the problems associated with this forage. Be sure the mare’s hay does not contain fescue, as the dried plants can still contain the endophyte that causes thickened placentas, delayed or difficult delivery, and absence of milk.

Keep an eye on the mare’s hooves, and schedule farrier visits on a regular basis. If she’s uncomfortable, she may not be able to move around well enough to graze, get plenty of water, and find shelter. Correcting hoof problems at this stage of pregnancy is preferable to waiting until the mare is so heavy that it’s hard for her to stand on three legs for farrier care.

For a home foaling, think about the site and make necessary preparations. Whether you prefer a paddock, stall, or special foaling suite, the site will need to be as clean as possible. In most cases, a foaling stall should be somewhat larger than an ordinary stall. If you need to remove existing partitions or do some new construction, it’s time to get started.

If the mare is going to foal at a different location, make plans to move her a month or two before her expected foaling date. This avoids problems associated with weather or the possibility of an unexpected early foaling. The mare also needs time to settle into her new quarters and develop specific antibodies to whatever microbes are found at the foaling site. These antibodies will be passed to the foal through the mare’s colostrum and are critical to the newborn’s health.

Regardless of where the foaling will take place, consult a veterinarian about when the mare should have her last vaccinations, and make an appointment for her to receive those that she needs. Booster vaccinations are usually given at around 10 months of pregnancy to ensure the production of colostral antibodies.

As the mare’s delivery date gets closer, owners will need to assemble some experienced helpers, a list of phone numbers for veterinarians, and supplies like disinfectant for the umbilical cord. Having some chores out of the way ahead of time will give expectant owners peace of mind before the big day.