Reminders for Feeding Your Lactating Mare
By By Bruce Arentson, Ph.D.
The impending arrival of foals brings up a number of factors to consider. Not the least of these is a feeding program to support the mare nutritionally as her body prepares to produce an astonishing amount of milk. Within two months after foaling, she reaches her peak milk production and then it falls off gradually until the foal is weaned. The amount of milk produced by lactating mares varies greatly, but it is estimated that as much as 3% of her body weight is produced in early lactation. That amount falls to 2% in late lactation. With the demands of milk production, the mare’s nutritional needs increase significantly. She requires more energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus in her diet. Failure to meet these demands can result in lower milk production for the foal and excessive weight loss in the mare.
Do we know the exact increase in nutritional demands for your lactating mare? No, but we can estimate her needs based on science. However, feeding management should be modified based on your knowledge of your mare, experience, and observation of her body condition and eating habits. A lactating mare generally requires 2-3% of her body weight daily in total feed (hay and grain). Of this total feed, heavy milkers may require 1.75-2.0% of their body weight in grain (concentrate) per day, plus at least 0.75-1.0% of their body weight in forage. The amount of grain fed to a lactating mare depends on the forage available – a mare on lush green spring pasture can maintain on 1.0-1.25% of body weight in grain concentrate daily.
To meet the demands of milk production, a 14-16% crude protein grain concentrate is recommended. Kent products designed for the lactating mare include DYNASTY® 14, DYNASTY® Junior, Success® 14, SuccessFoal®, and Success® LS. To ensure sufficient calcium and phosphorus intake, feed a free-choice mineral product. For mares on grass forage, feed Equestrian’s Choice Equine Mineral. For mares fed alfalfa hay, feed a mineral with a 1:1 Ca:P ratio, like Bio-Plus Mineral™.
After foaling, gradually increase the grain concentrate to the mare over 7 to 10 days. Feed the grain concentrate in 2 to 3 feedings per day – this feeding management technique reduces the risk of colic. Individually feeding mares with foals allows you to feed according to the mare’s condition and lactation stage. Carefully observe the mare’s body condition. Should she start to lose her body condition, increase the amount of feed per day, or feed a product with a higher fat concentration. As she progresses through the lactation and retains her condition, the amount of grain can be reduced.
Success® LS (10% fat) and OMEGATIN® (20% fat) are excellent products to use for heavy milkers that are hard keepers. Success® LS is a sweet feed formulated with ingredients to naturally reduce the amount of starch, and increase the caloric content with calories from vegetable oil. OMEGATIN® can be used as a top dress in combination with other grain products.
In the whirlwind of activity surrounding foaling season, remember that your lactating mare’s nutritional needs change. Make your feeding program plans prior to foaling, so you are ready. Following recommended feeding management practices for the lactating mare is as important as the grain product being fed.