As spring approaches, foaling season begins excitement and responsibility for horse owners. Ensuring nutritional needs of lactating mares and their growing foals are met is critical for their health, development, and long-term well-being. This period demands careful attention to energy, vitamins, and minerals to support milk production, foal growth, and the mare’s own condition. Below we will cover the key considerations for feeding lactating mares and foals, along with tailored options for LifeLine Premium Horse Feed and Purina Horse Feeds to help you navigate this rewarding season.

Important Points for Lactating Mares

1. Increased Energy Needs: lactating mares require double the energy of an idle horse to produce sufficient milk and maintain their own body condition. Without adequate calorie, a mare may lose weight, which can reduce milk output and hinder her ability to conceive again if breeding back is planned.
   
   
2. High Quality Protein: protein is essential for milk production and maintaining the mare’s muscle mass. A lactating mare’s diet should include good quality protein sources to support her foal’s growth and her own post recovery post-foaling.
   
   
3. Mineral and Vitamin Balance: calcium and phosphorous are critical for milk production, while trace minerals and vitamins support the mare’s health and future fertility. Depleted reserves can lead to issues like lameness or reduced milk quality if not addressed.
   
   
4. Hydration is Key: lactating mares drink 50-80% more water than non lactating horses (up to 15-20 gallons daily) to sustain milk production. Always ensure clean fresh water is available as water is considered a “key” nutrient” in horses diets.
   
   
5. Body Condition Monitoring: aim to keep your mare at a body condition score of 5-6 (on the Henneke 1-9 scale). Too thin, and milk production suffers; too heavy, and joint stress or reduced milk yield can occur.
   
   
6. Timing Matters: nutritional demands peak in the first three months of lactation, then gradually decrease as milk production drops (around 2% of her body weight by month four). Adjust feeding accordingly to avoid over-or underfeeding. In the final trimester, the foal gains 50% of its birth weight, accelerating from about 0.2 lbs/day early in pregnancy to 1 lb./day in the last 90 days. This rapid growth phase increases the mare’s nutritional demands, particularly for energy, protein, and minerals. She must build liver stores of key nutrients to transfer to the foal via colostrum and milk, supporting its early immunity and development.

Feeding Options for Lactating Mares

LifeLine Broodmare & Growth Textured Horse Feed – This textured feed offers 16% protein, making it an excellent choice for lactating mares. It’s designed to meet heightened needs of pregnancy and lactation with a balanced blend of energy, protein, and minerals. Feed according to your mare’s ideal weight and condition – typically 0.5-1% of her body weight daily alongside quality forage to support milk production and maintain her health.

Purina Evolution Maternity – a low-glycemic, multiparticle feed (pelleted and extruded), is formulated for late gestation and lactation. It delivers sensible calories to fuel milk production without overloading starch, minimizing the risk of colic or developmental issues in the foal. Feed as per the recommended rane (e.g. 0.5-1% of body weight daily with at least 1.5% body weight in hay),adjusting based on her condition and hay quality.

Both options pair well with high quality forage (11-14% protein hay or pasture), which should form the backbone of her diet. If your mare struggles to maintain weight, consult with a nutritionist to tweak amounts or add a top dress like LifeLine Ration Balancer Original or Purina Equilizer for extra vitamins and minerals.

Important Points for Foals

1. Colostrum in the First Hours – the mare’s colostrum, rich in antibodies, is vital for the foal’s immunity in the first 12-24 hours. Ensure the foal nurses promptly and consult a vet if this doesn’t occur
   
2. Milk dependency early on – for the first 90 days, a foal relies heavily on the mare’s milk (nursing 50-60 times daily). Milk provides up to 100% of energy needs initially, dropping to 30% by month four as the foal begins to eat solids.
3. Creep feeding for growth – by 2-3 months, milk alone may not meet energy and nutrient demands, especially for fast growing foals or those slated for early valuations (e.g. Breeding Futurity). Introduce creep feeding to supplement milk and ease transition to weaning.
4. Protein and minerals for development – young foals need protein (with key amino acids like lysine) for muscle growth and minerals like calcium and phosphorous for strong bones. Imbalances can risk developmental orthopedic diseases.
5. Gradual weaning – weaning typically occurs at 4-6 months. A gradual shift to solid feed, starting weeks before separation, reduces stress and digestive upset for the foal.

Feeding Options for Foals

LifeLine Broodmare & Growth textured Horse Feed – ideal for foals post-weaning (or as a creep feed from 3 months), this feed’s 16% protein supports growth and development. Start with 1 lb. per month of age daily (e.g. 3 lbs. for a 3-month-old), adjusting as they mature, alongside free- choice hay or pasture.

Purina Evolution Maternity – is suitable for nursing foals transitioning to solids (3+months), this feed provides balanced nutrition with controlled starch to support steady growth. Offer 1-1.5 lbs. per 100 lbs. of body weight daily as a creep feed or post weaning ration, paired with good quality forage. For orphan foals or those needing milk replacers early on, consult a vet or nutritionist to support their nutritional needs effectively.

Practical Tips for Spring Success

Forage First – both mares and foals thrive with high quality hay or pasture as the diet’s foundation. Test your forage to ensure it meets protein (11-14%) and mineral needs, supplementing as required.

Consistency Counts – feed on a regular schedule, 2-3 times daily for mares, free choice or frequent small meals for foals, to promote healthy digestion.

Monitor and Adjust – weigh feed (not volume) and track growth/condition weekly. Adjust amounts based on individual needs, consulting an equine nutritionist if unsure.

Spring Pasture Caution – early spring grass can be lush and high in sugars. Introduce it gradually to avoid digestive upset in both mare and foals.

Final Thoughts

Spring foaling season is a time of growth and renewal, and proper nutrition sets the stage for healthy mares and thriving foals. LifeLine Broodmare & Growth and Purina Evolution Maternity offer targeted support for lactation and early development, ensuring your horses have the energy, protein, and nutrients they need. Pair these feeds with quality forage, ample water, and attentive care, and you will be well-equipped to navigate this season with confidence.

Happy Foaling!