FEEDING FOR BREEDING: THE HORSE

摘要

It is not uncommon for a mare to be pregnant with this year's foal, and nursing last year's foal at the same time. Even so, a good quality basal roughage, supplemented in some cases with a protein concentrate, may provide all the required nutrients. In contrast to farm animals the mate is pregnant for an extended period of time. During the fust eight months of the eleven month pregnancy there is little foetal growth and if she is not lactating then to all intents and purposes the mare may be fed as agelding (castrate); the quantity and quality of food provided being dependent on the workload. The nature of the diet over the last 90 days of the pregnancy will depend greatly on the date of conception. An early conception at the end of February will mean that foaling occurs in January when only conserved feeds are available. In contrast, late conception in June will lead to the birth of May foals and obviously late pregnant mares will be able to enjoy the benefits of fresh grass prior to foaling.