Lactating Mare Feeding Guide
Proper nutrition during lactation is critical for the health of both the mare and her foal. Mares have increased energy, protein, and mineral requirements to support milk production and maintain body condition. This guide provides evidence-based recommendations for feeding lactating mares.
Recommended Diet Types
Lactating mares thrive on a forage-based diet supplemented with concentrates. The primary diet types include:
- Forage: High-quality hay or pasture (timothy, orchard grass, clover) should form the foundation. Provide free-choice access to clean hay.
- Concentrates: Commercial mare and foal feeds (pelleted or texturized) formulated with higher protein (14-16%) and fat levels (4-6%). Oats and beet pulp can be added for extra calories.
- Supplements: Additional vitamins and minerals may be necessary if forage quality is poor.
Daily Caloric Needs and Portion Sizes
Calorie requirements depend on mare's weight, milk production, and activity. The table below provides general guidelines.
| Mare Weight (kg) | Light Activity (Mcal/day) | Moderate Activity (Mcal/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | 24-28 | 28-32 |
| 500 | 28-32 | 32-36 |
| 600 | 32-36 | 36-40 |
Feed concentrates at 0.5-1% of body weight per day (dry matter) divided into 2-3 meals. For example, a 500 kg mare may receive 2.5-5 kg of concentrate daily.
Feeding Frequency and Schedule
Feed small, frequent meals to mimic natural grazing patterns. Suggested schedule:
- Morning: 7:00 AM - Hay and half of daily concentrate.
- Midday: 12:00 PM - Hay only.
- Afternoon: 5:00 PM - Hay and remaining concentrate.
- Evening: 9:00 PM - Hay and optional beet pulp for late-night calories.
Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Mares may drink 30-50 liters daily.
Essential Nutrients
- Protein: 14-16% crude protein; key amino acids like lysine and threonine for milk protein synthesis.
- Fat: 4-6% for energy density; omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed or fish oil support inflammation regulation.
- Carbohydrates: Mostly from fiber (hay). Limit starch to prevent digestive upset (less than 1 g/kg body weight per meal).
- Vitamins: A, D, E (especially vitamin E at 1-2 IU/lb body weight) and B-complex for metabolism.
- Minerals: Calcium (0.6-0.8%), phosphorus (0.4-0.5%), magnesium, potassium, sodium chloride (salt), and trace minerals including copper, zinc, and selenium.
Toxic or Harmful Foods
Avoid feeding: moldy hay, high-starch grains (corn, wheat), excessive oats, avocado, chocolate, caffeine, garlic/onion in large amounts, and any plants toxic to horses (e.g., ragwort, yew, acorns).
Water Intake
Lactating mares need copious water: 50-70 liters (10-15 gallons) per day. Provide multiple water sources and check temperature (not too cold). Add electrolytes (especially potassium) if sweating excessively.
Beneficial Supplements
- Electrolytes: Sodium, chloride, potassium during hot weather or heavy work.
- Yeast cultures: (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) improve fiber digestion and milk yield.
- Calcium/magnesium: May be needed if mare is nervous or prone to tying-up.
- Probiotics: Support gut health during stress.
Life Stage Differences: Lactating vs. Other Mares
Lactating mares require 50-80% more energy, 2-3 times more protein, and significantly more minerals compared to non-lactating adult horses. Feeding adjustments should be made for early (<3 months) vs. late lactation (3-6 months) with higher needs early on.
Signs of Healthy vs. Poor Diet
Healthy Diet Indicators:
- Mare maintains body condition score 5-6 (on 1-9 scale).
- Shiny coat, bright eyes, good energy.
- Foal grows steadily with normal manure consistency.
- Mare has normal appetite and manure output.
Poor Diet Signs:
- Weight loss or obesity in mare.
- Dull coat, lethargy, poor hoof quality.
- Foal has loose stools or colic.
- Mare refuses feed or develops laminitis.
Consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to tailor a feeding program for your lactating mare.