Currently, it is known that the feeding of the breeding mare is a preponderant factor for her fertility, as well as for the health and growth of the foal. The needs of the breeders differ from the other horses, therefore constituting a particular group, which requires specific care with their food. 

body condition 

The evaluation of the body condition of the mares allows us to estimate the amount of body reserves they have, as well as to monitor the established food plan, which is why it should be evaluated regularly.

Studies prove that medium to high body condition scores (minimum score of 5 on the Henneke – Scale from 1 to 9) and increasing body condition translate into higher fertility rates. Since these mares resume cyclicity earlier, have a lower number of ovulatory cycles per conception, higher conception rates and shorter intervals between deliveries.

Body condition also conditions productive factors. Breeders with scores below 5 do not have enough fat reserves to optimize milk production. While, in turn, medium to high farrowing scores tend to produce more milk, which is beneficial for the foal's growth. 

Breeding mares needs

Breeders can be maintained with adequate maintenance food and a quality forage base when they are not pregnant, or when pregnant, up to the fifth month of pregnancy. From then on, a specific food should be provided in order to increase the supply of nutrients, particularly protein. 

Gestation

From the seventh month of pregnancy, fetal development (muscle and bone tissue) is accentuated, which means that needs increase significantly, particularly in terms of energy, protein and minerals (calcium and phosphorus). During this period, it is essential to provide food that, in addition to calcium and phosphorus, provides iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Vitamin A requirements being higher, 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. Thus, supplementation with antioxidant substances (such as vitamin E and selenium) also has advantages from a reproductive point of view.

Supplementation with Vitamin E in the final stages of pregnancy and early lactation also benefits the foal's immunity by favoring the transfer of passive immunity through colostrum. 

VIT E+

The incorporation of fat in 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 source of fat rich in omega 3 is recommended, and studies point to the benefits of its use for follicular growth in the mare, embryonic development and colostrum quality. 

Lactation

Needs remain increased during lactation, so providing a specific food is crucial. If these increased needs are not respected, milk production may be compromised and, it is to be expected, a decrease in the mare's body condition, which may in a way harm the subsequent reproductive season.

EPOLDRIN

In short, knowing the needs of breeding mares and having a well-established feeding plan have reproductive and productive advantages for the mare, contributing to the healthy growth and development of the foals.

 

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