6 steps on how to feed a pregnant mare

On the website of KER, the experts explain that providing adequate nutrition for the mare as she transitions from one trimester to the next need not be difficult and pretty straightforward.

Here we touch on 6 guidelines to stay on track:

Familiarise yourself with body condition scoring:

A pregnant mare should be kept in moderate to moderately fleshy body condition throughout pregnancy.

Provide vitamins and minerals:

The primary feedstuff should be good-quality forage in the form of pasture or hay, and a source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Resist the temptation to overfeed:

Mares should never be obese, as this can make delivery more difficult.

Reconsider energy levels in late pregnancy:

During the last 3 to 4 months of pregnancy, the mare’s requirement for energy increases as the foetus grows

Salt, water, and fescue:

As with all horses, provide a pregnant mare with free-choice access to a fresh, clean water source and a salt block or loose salt.

Rely on an equine nutritionist:

When in doubt, recruit a nutritionist for assistance.

Read the full article on the KER website