FAQs About Feeding Broodmares

If you’re a horse owner trying to understand the best diet for your pregnant or lactating mares, it’s important to read these frequently asked questions about ingredients, diet requirements, and what is guaranteed on your feeding tag. In order to choose the best horse feed for broodmares, you have to know what factors go into growing a healthy foal and how to compare different products on the market.

• What Body Condition Score (BCS) is recommended for broodmares?

  To prevent a drastic drop in body condition after foaling, it is essential for the mare to carry extra fat stores. Since it is challenging to increase feed intake dramatically after foaling, maintaining a body condition score of 6 when the mare foals is recommended. This ensures sufficient energy reserves for early lactation and maintaining condition for re-breeding. Mares in significant negative energy balance are less likely to rebreed easily and carry the next pregnancy successfully.

• How can a ration balancer help maintain balanced nutrition during late gestation?

  While good quality pasture or forage may provide sufficient energy during late gestation, they may lack essential amino acids and minerals. To address this, consider using a ration balancer product or a feed specifically designed for pregnant mares. From month 5 to about month 10 or 11 of gestation, these products can provide the necessary nutrients that may be lacking in the forage.

• How can you prepare your mare for lactation?

  It is advisable to introduce a feed designed for broodmares and foals before foaling to allow the mare to adjust to the feed well in advance. Introducing a new feed immediately before foaling, when the mare is under significant stress, should be avoided. After foaling, the feed can be increased to provide the additional energy and nutrients required for lactation. This feed will also contribute to the foal’s nutrition as it starts to nibble on feed.

• What nutrition is required for your mare’s lactation and postpartum?

  During lactation, a mare’s energy needs can easily double compared to her maintenance requirements. Additionally, water consumption remains high while she produces milk for her offspring. As the mare’s milk production decreases around 13-24 weeks after giving birth, the diet can be adjusted slightly, gradually returning to the nutritional needs of a normal maintenance horse.

  Properly feeding broodmares is crucial to minimize the risk of developmental problems for the foal and ensure the mare can rebreed successfully. By meeting their specific nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation, horse owners can support the overall health and well-being of both the mare and the foal, setting the stage for future reproductive success.

• How does Nutrena feed support broodmares differently than other feed brands?

  Nutrena’s dedicated mare and foal feed, SafeChoice^® Mare & Foal, is a controlled starch formula for pregnant or lactating mares, weanlings and yearlings that is nutritionally balanced with organic trace minerals to support structural development, antioxidants to support developing immune systems, Topline Balance^® to support topline health and muscle, Nutri-Bloom Advantage^® for easier nutrient absorption, and Digestive Shield^™ for complete gut and immune health. Unlike some other horse feed brands, Nutrena offers whole horse nutrition to your broodmares and growing horses.