Question
The last Warmblood foal I raised had contracted tendons, likely a result of the filly’s fast growth and body condition. I am currently caring for a fast-growing, two-month-old colt that is on the same path as the filly. I would like to reduce the risk of problems by maintaining consistent slow growth. However, if I don’t offer the same growth feed my filly received, will my colt be missing important nutrients? The mare and foal are currently turned out on pasture about half the day with plenty of grass hay when stalled. The mare is in good condition and is fed a formula designed for broodmares and growing horses. Should I also be concerned about the grass consumption?
Answer
Fast-growing foals are at a greater risk of developmental problems than those that grow at a normal rate. Maintaining a moderate body condition score and trying for slow, consistent growth, as you mentioned, is important, so regular monitoring of height and weight is necessary.
At just two months old, your colt should be receiving the necessary nutrients for growth from his dam’s milk. Ensuring that your mare is getting the proper amount of feed to meet her nutrient requirements is important for the foal to get what he needs. If she is consuming less than the recommended amount outlined by manufacturer, supplementation would be needed. Topping up the diet with a ration balancer pellet would be appropriate in this situation.
The colt is not consuming enough grass to be an issue for him. The more important factors are allowing as much turnout as possible for freedom of movement, which is important in foal development, and providing enough additional energy for the mare to support milk production. Lactation is a demanding stage of life and requires much higher digestible energy than maintenance, gestation, and most performance endeavors. I understand management restraints can limit turnout access, but there is no need to restrict grass intake at this time.
If you are concerned about flexural deformities caused by excessive energy intake, you will want to make sure the foal is not eating from the mare’s feed. This will help you control the intake of supplemental calories. If necessary, you can tie the mare’s feeder or bucket high so it’s out of reach of the colt, or you can configure a stalling system that separates the mare and colt while still being near enough to one another to not induce stress.
If you choose to creep feed in the future, one option is feeding just 0.25 lb (0.1 kg) of ration balancer pellet. This will provide protein, vitamins, and minerals without high intake or concern of excess weight gain.
A re-evaluation of diets may be needed later when the mare’s milk production tapers off and the foal is weaned.
