Breeding and Growing

Reproduction affects the horse's energy needs.  Stallions require more energy during breeding season because their exercise increases. 

A broodmare's energy needs will increase significantly during the last 90-120 days of pregnancy.  When a broodmare is in late gestation, her caloric needs increase by 20 percent and her protein needs increase by 30 percent.  Also, her calcium needs increase by 80 percent and phosphorus increases by 100 percent.  Providing 100 percent more feed will lead to an overabundance of protein and energy.  The solution is to provide these minerals through a reformulated feed or a supplement. 

There are five main minerals essential to the foal's bone growth in utero:  calcium, phosphorus (grams/day) and copper, zinc and manganese (milligrams/day).

A lactating mare has the highest energy requirement of all; her energy needs can actually double, as she needs energy to produce good milk and to replace all body weight lost during gestation.

For foals, the concensus appears to be that foals less than three months old require a milk-based foal feed to ensure the absorption of the feed and lessen the risk of diarrhea, which can often result when a foal consumes starch before it is able to digest it.

Calcium and phosphorus are the most important minerals for proper bone development in the foal, as well as copper and zinc.  It is essential that the foal receives not only the correct amount of these minerals in total, but also the right amount in relation to its partner.  For instance, with calcium and phosphorus, a good general guideline is a Ca:P ratio of 2:1.  The total amounts necessary for the foal should be determined by calculating the amount provided by grass (between 1:1 - 2:1) and hay (between 3:1 to 8:1).  This balancing of minerals also applies to copper and zinc, and the proper ratio of Cu:Zn should be between 2:1 and 4:1. 

The following is a list of feed options we carry for horses that are breeding or growing.

• 16 Percent Mare and Foal
• 17 Percent Frisky Foal
• Equine developer