Right feed for the right time: FILLIES AND MARES NEED THE RIGHT FEED AT THE RIGHT TIME TO GROW, PRODUCE AND CONTINUE TO WORK

摘要

Whether she's an American Quarter Horse, a Paint, an Appaloosa or other breed, broodmares and other females have nutritional requirements that demand a little more attention from ranchers and other horse owners. The hope on every ranch is that the last of the drought has been seen, pastures will flourish and stock ponds will brim with clean, fresh water. With the treatment Southwestern ranchers have received from the weather the past 2 years, that may be wishful thinking. But it doesn't take away from the need for good forage and supplements to keep horses healthy. Horse producers should be concerned about their mares' reproductive performance and ability to mother strong, healthy foals, says Dr. Pete Gibbs, associate director for Texas A&M AgriLifeExtension's state programs and previous Extension horse specialist.