It is now known that the feeding of a breeding mare is a key factor in her fertility, as well as in the health and growth of the foal. The needs of breeding mares differ from those of other horses, and they therefore constitute a particular group that requires specific care with their feeding.
Body condition
Assessing the body condition of mares allows us to estimate the amount of body reserves they have, as well as monitor the established feeding plan, which is why it should be assessed regularly.
Studies show that medium to high body condition scores (minimum score of 5 on the Body Condition Scale) Henneke – Scale from 1 to 9) and increasing body condition, translate into higher fertility rates. Since these mares resume cyclicity earlier, they have a lower number of ovulatory cycles per conception, higher conception rates and shorter intervals between births.
Body condition also affects production factors. Breeders with scores below 5 do not have sufficient fat reserves to optimize milk production. Meanwhile, breeders with medium to high scores at calving tend to produce a greater quantity of milk, which is beneficial for the foal's growth.
Needs of breeding mares
Breeders can be kept on an appropriate maintenance feed and a quality forage base when they are not pregnant, or when pregnant, until the fifth month of gestation. From that point onwards, a specific feed should be provided in order to increase the supply of nutrients, particularly protein.
Gestation
From the seventh month of gestation onwards, foetal development (muscle and bone tissue) increases, which means that the requirements increase significantly, particularly in terms of energy, protein and minerals (calcium and phosphorus). During this period, it is essential to provide a feed that, in addition to calcium and phosphorus, also provides iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Since vitamin A requirements are higher, they must also be met by the feed, particularly if the mares do not have access to pasture.
EPOLDRIN
Free radicals can affect multiple reproductive processes, such as oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryonic development. Therefore, supplementation with antioxidant substances (such as vitamin E and selenium) also has reproductive benefits.
Supplementation with Vitamin E in the final phase of gestation and early lactation also benefits the foal's immunity by promoting the transfer of passive immunity through colostrum.
VIT E+
The incorporation of fat into the diet can be an important ally if it is necessary to increase the digestible energy of the diet without increasing the concentrated feed. In these cases, the incorporation of a fat source rich in omega 3 is recommended, and studies indicate the benefits of its use for follicular growth in the mare, embryonic development and colostrum quality.
Lactation
The needs remain increased during lactation, so providing a specific feed is crucial. If these increased needs are not met, milk production may be compromised and the mare's body condition may decrease, which may in some way harm the subsequent reproductive season.
EPOLDRIN
In short, knowing the needs of breeding mares and having a well-established feeding plan offers reproductive and productive advantages for the mare, contributing to the healthy growth and development of the foals.