Nutritional Management of Broodmares

Optimum nutritional management of broodmares is a critical component of any horse breeding program.

Nutritional deficiencies during the mare’s pregnancy will negatively influence the future health of her foal, as inadequate levels of essential nutrients can result in subsequent developmental diseases. The mare’s body score condition is also critical before conception, throughout the gestation period and into lactation.

Mares with a low body condition score prior to breeding may start cycling later than expected and also have lower conception rates. However, mares with high condition scores may also have issues conceiving, as decreased insulin sensitivity and obesity can also lead to decreased reproductive traits.

Most mares can maintain an adequate body condition during early and mid-pregnancy, provided good quality forage (hay and/or pasture) is available. However, as Australian soils are varied and may be deficient in trace minerals (such as Selenium, Copper and Zinc), it is important to know the mineral status of your forages and supplement mares accordingly. Deficiencies and/or imbalances of essential trace minerals during pregnancy may contribute to developmental diseases in foals, so supplementation via a balanced commercial feed or premix is essential.

In the last 3-4 months of gestation, the nutrient requirements of the mares increase as around 80% of the foetus's growth occurs in this period. Consequently, dietary protein and energy levels must be increased to enable the developing foal to grow to its potential. The requirements for both macro minerals (Calcium and Phosphorus) and trace minerals are also critical. It’s essential that the developing foal’s liver is fortified with essential trace minerals before birth, as mare’s milk is not an adequate source.

Mares in late pregnancy may also suffer from limited feed intakes due to the increasing size of the growing foal, so more concentrated feeds are usually required. It’s also important that the mare maintains adequate body weight during late pregnancy, as colostrum and milk production may be compromised, impacting the foal’s disease resistance/immunity and growth rates. The mare must also be in reasonable body condition if the intention is to re-breed her for the following season.

Once the mare begins lactating, her nutritional requirements increase markedly as the mare can produce up to 2-3% of her body weight per day in milk. As such, the mare requires very high dietary levels of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals, and needs to be provided with large amounts of high-quality forage and concentrated feeds. It is very important that mares are managed individually during this time and their body condition scores are checked regularly, as fast-growing foals can very quickly impact the condition of the mare.

Nutritional management of mares can be made easy with a well-balanced, specifically formulated feed such as RIVERINA FEED & BREED PELLETS. These pellets are designed to help provide breeding mares and growing horses with their daily nutrient requirements when fed in conjunction with hay and/or pasture. These pellets are also suitable for weanlings, yearlings and young horses undergoing early training programs. With high protein and energy, these pellets are also suitable for stallions during the breeding season.

RIVERINA FEED & BREED PELLETS also provide a full range of essential vitamins and minerals.

Added Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is involved in the muscular, circulatory, nervous, immune and reproductive systems. Copper has a role in bone and joint cartilage, and Chromium from yeast has a role in glucose metabolism.

All Riverina Stockfeeds products are manufactured to strict quality control standards for incoming raw materials and the finished product. They’re formulated in accordance with current research into horse nutrition and mixed using a variety of quality raw materials.

With years of technical expertise, practical experience and local knowledge, Riverina Stockfeeds nutritionists carefully refine and routinely update our range of stock feeds to incorporate new research and findings, ensuring you get the most out of your feed.

Need your animal & livestock dietary needs?

Contact our team via Nutritional Advice

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