Posted 2007-03-26 9:16 AM (#57783) Subject: Best way to put weight on a mare
Regular
Posts: 59 Location: Rushville, Indiana
Our mare foaled in December, yes, December...vets said she was not due until March! Anyway, she gained plenty of weight with this baby, but now, he is taking alot out of her. Any suggestions on how to add weight to her? And how long does anyone else wait to seperate them? I have had her on the moal and foal feed since we found out she was pregnant. Suggestions????
Posted 2007-03-28 7:33 AM (#57926 - in reply to #57783) Subject: RE: Best way to put weight on a mare
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: PA
There are plenty of answers on this subject already in the forum if you care to do a search but.....I know you are looking for a response now so.....
I would suggest worming the mare and the foal (follow the weight directions exactly for the foal) , then I would check the label directions for the mare & foal feed you are using and give the mare the maximum amount listed for her weight. Them I would keep good quality hay in front of the mare 24/7 and lots of water. Free choice salt too.
She needs alot of calories to nurse a foal and maintain herself. I would also suggest handling that foal daily and getting started on eating his own pelleted feed if he hasn't done so already. Good Luck
Posted 2007-04-10 7:09 AM (#58970 - in reply to #57783) Subject: RE: Best way to put weight on a mare
Member
Posts: 11
Location: union,ky
Just a thought, We bought a mare w/ a 4 month old colt, and she was breed back. She was very, very thin. She is about 16 hands. Are vet suggested some old fashion ways. Pour over her grain just plain vegetable oil and that really worked. She looks great. She is due to foal in May. The guy we bought her off of can't believe how great she looks. I also have heard of sprinkling powder milk supplement over grain. They say this really put weight on.
Posted 2007-04-10 1:01 PM (#58987 - in reply to #57783) Subject: RE: Best way to put weight on a mare
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Mooers Forks, NY
As has already been stated, deworm mare & foal and be sure to get the mare's teeth checked if you haven't already done so. With a December foal, I'd be looking to wean relatively soon if baby is eating on his/her own well. I wean mine around 4 months as a general rule. If you're feeding a mare and foal feed (I find better results with a pellet versus a sweet feed) feed the maximum per the bag's instructions, add some Corn Oil (I use 1/4 cup twice daily on nursing mares) and if you have good old Calf Manna available at a local store, that works WONDERS. Free choice salt and be sure she is never without water for a moment - milk production takes a LOT of water! If you're feeding a good quality grass hay, keep it in front of her 24/7. Alfalfa up here in NY is not always available baled so I buy the cubes and pellets and offer those as well.
Best way to put weight on a mare
