🐴 How to Care for a Mare After Foaling
Caring for a mare after foaling is crucial to ensure her health and the health of the newborn foal. Proper post-foaling care involves monitoring, nutrition, and a stress-free environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your mare after she gives birth.
🌟 Immediate Post-Foaling Care
🩺 Initial Checks
- Observation:
- Monitor the Mare and Foal: Keep a close eye on both the mare and the foal for the first few hours. Ensure the mare is attentive to the foal and the foal starts nursing within 2 hours.
- Placenta Examination:
- Check the Placenta: Examine the expelled placenta to ensure it is complete. Retained placenta can cause serious health issues. If any part of the placenta is retained, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Cleanliness:
- Clean the Mare: Gently clean the mare’s hindquarters with warm water to remove any remaining fluids or tissues.
🥗 Nutrition and Hydration
🥕 Feeding
- Quality Hay and Forage:
- Provide high-quality hay and access to fresh pasture. Good nutrition supports milk production and helps the mare regain her strength.
- Concentrates:
- Grain: Introduce grain gradually to meet the increased nutritional demands. Ensure the grain is formulated for lactating mares.
- Supplements:
- Consider adding supplements rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, to support milk production and overall health.
💧 Hydration
- Fresh Water: Ensure the mare has constant access to fresh, clean water. Hydration is vital for milk production.
🏡 Post-Foaling Management
🌿 Environment
- Clean and Comfortable Stall:
- Maintain a clean, dry, and comfortable stall for the mare and foal. Bedding should be soft and absorbent.
- Safe Pasture:
- If the weather permits, allow the mare and foal to graze in a safe, enclosed pasture. Fresh air and exercise are beneficial for both.
🐎 Exercise
- Gradual Introduction:
- Gradually reintroduce light exercise to the mare after the first few days. Walking can help improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
🛠️ Health Monitoring
- Veterinary Check-Ups:
- Schedule a veterinary visit within 24 hours of foaling to ensure both the mare and foal are healthy. The vet will check for any complications and administer necessary vaccinations.
- Monitor Vital Signs:
- Keep an eye on the mare’s temperature, pulse, and respiration rates. Any significant changes should be reported to a veterinarian.
- Udder Health:
- Check the mare’s udder daily for signs of mastitis (swelling, heat, or discomfort). Proper milking and hygiene can help prevent infections.
🍼 Foal Care
- Nursing:
- Ensure the foal is nursing regularly and getting adequate colostrum in the first 24 hours. Colostrum provides essential antibodies for the foal’s immune system.
- Umbilical Cord Care:
- Treat the foal’s umbilical cord stump with antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
- Growth Monitoring:
- Track the foal’s growth and development. Healthy weight gain and activity levels indicate proper nursing and health.
📋 When to Consult a Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Signs of distress in the mare or foal.
- Abnormal discharge from the mare.
- The mare not eating or drinking.
- The foal not nursing or appearing weak.