What do you feed a dry pregnant mare?
Dry mares in early gestation can basically be fed like any other mature, idle horse. Good quality pasture or hay along with a supplement such as Purina ® Free Balance 12:12 vitamin/mineral supplement or Enrich Plus ® Ration Balancing horse feed may be all that is necessary to meet these mares’ nutritional requirements.
What do you feed a pony?
Ponies need only the fraction of the feed that horses do. Hay for ponies should be good quality grass hay. Your pony probably won't need the nutrition provided by alfalfa and clovers. These fodders, which are more energy and nutrient dense than many grass hay, are often too rich for a pony. Lush pasture is a danger zone for ponies.
What kind of hay is safe for a pregnant mare?
As with all horses, provide a pregnant mare with free-choice access to a fresh, clean water source and a salt block or loose salt. One type of hay or pasture to avoid is fescue, which is often infected with an endophyte that causes problems in pregnant mares, including prolonged gestation, difficult delivery,...
What do you feed your Shetland sheep?
If he's still being kept on a starvation paddock all year he would need aditional hay and prehaps a vitamin supplement. I feed mine handful of hifi and baileys local with aditional speedibeet over the winter whilst they are out. You shouldnt be able to feel the ribs and hip bones of a shetland.
What should a pregnant mare eat?
GUIDELINES FOR FEEDING DURING GESTATION During the early part of pregnancy, mares should be fed at a maintenance level of 1 Mcal/per lb of feed. This generally equates to 15 lb of good quality pasture and forage for the average sized mare (1,100 to 1,200 lb mare), with free-choice access to a trace mineral block.
What should pregnant horses not eat?
Salt, water, and fescue. One type of hay or pasture to avoid is fescue, which is often infected with an endophyte that causes problems in pregnant mares, including prolonged gestation, difficult delivery, and lack of milk.
What does a pregnant horse need?
Pregnant mares need adequate daily exercise in a paddock or pasture, and any horses kept together should be compatible, which helps to reduce stress. Vaccinations and deworming should be done before the mare is bred, with no vaccinations given during the first 90 days of gestation.
What is the best hay to feed a pregnant mare?
Alfalfa hay should also be included to balance her protein needs. Alfalfa should never be fed exclusively (due to potential mineral imbalances). Strive for a 60:40 ratio of grass hay to alfalfa hay. The fetus gains 1 pound per day during these final three gestational months.
Can pregnant horses eat apples?
Almost any fruits, and many vegetables, are safe treats for healthy horses. Apples and carrots are traditional favorites.
Is alfalfa good for pregnant mares?
The short answer is yes, it is perfectly acceptable to feed your mares alfalfa hay. If the hay is moderate quality or better, your mares will likely have no trouble maintaining their weight.
Should you worm a pregnant mare?
It is important to maintain a worm free status in the pregnant mare as she can pass on worm larvae to the foal soon after birth. We therefore recommend monitoring worm egg levels (WEC) as for adult horses (above) and giving a moxidectin or ivermectin wormer within the last month of pregnancy.
Which nutrients are more important during pregnancy?
Which nutrients are most important during pregnancy?Folic acid.Iron.Calcium.Vitamin D.DHA.Iodine.
How long does a pony stay pregnant?
Horse: 11 – 12 monthsPony / Gestation periodThe gestation period in horses is typically between 330 and 345 days, or 11 months. 1 Some mares will be inclined to foal earlier or later than the average, and breeders will get to know these tendencies.
How can I get my pregnant mare to gain weight?
In considering the forage component of the mare's diet, the only thing you might do to increase its caloric contribution is to switch to a high-quality alfalfa hay. In some regions, alfalfa is difficult to obtain or expensive, so as long as the hay you're feeding is palatable and plentiful, the forage is acceptable.
Is Timothy hay good for pregnant horses?
If the forage (pasture or hay) is of high quality, very little grain is generally needed until just before foaling. Hay should be a grass or grass mix, with not more than about 10% alfalfa, and ideally should provide around 10% to 12% protein. Orchard grass, bluegrass, Timothy and Bermuda are excellent hay choices.
Why can't pregnant mares eat fescue?
Mares that continue to eat fescue are at greatly increased risk of prolonged pregnancy and a difficult delivery of the overmature foal; thickening of the placenta leading to suffocation of the foal during birth; premature placental separation; and failure to produce colostrum or milk.
How much alfalfa should a pregnant mare have?
Alfalfa should never be fed exclusively (due to potential mineral imbalances). Instead, strive for a 60:40 ratio of grass hay to alfalfa hay. The fetus gains one pound per day during the final three gestational months. Hay alone will not meet all the mare's caloric needs.
Is Red Cell good for pregnant mares?
May be given to donkeys and mules, too, but check with your vet for pregnant or lactating mares. Do not feed to sheep or other copper sensitive animals. Red Cell is an excellent source of nutrients like vitamins A and D, potassium, biotin, zinc, magnesium, copper, calcium, and thiamine.
What to feed a pony if it is not working?
If you like to feed your pony even if it is not working hard—and for some owners, this is a very satisfying activity—look for a concentrate that is low in calories. Some manufacturers make special pony mixes. These mixes are balanced with the correct amount of supplements for a pony.
What is a good pasture for a pony?
Good pasture for a pony would be one that he has to work at finding the grass in. Sparse grass that grows slowly would be ideal. Or he could spend a small portion of his time on pasture and the rest in a grassless paddock. It might be necessary to keep a pony off of pasture for a portion of the day.
What happens if a pony eats too much pasture?
If your pony eats too much rich pasture it could lead to such things as colic or founder. You may never be able to leave some ponies on good pasture. Ponies can become obese very quickly and that can lead to health problems like metabolic syndrome.
What happens if you feed a pony hay?
If you are feeding good hay, the pony is getting a bit of pasture and you have a mineral/salt block available your pony will be getting what he needs. If you feed treats, it’s best to consider these into the overall diet, so you won’t be overdoing it.
How long does it take for a pony to start grazing?
If you plan to keep your pony on grass introduce it very slowly. Start with 10 minutes of grazing and gradually add a few minutes each day twice a day.
What do you use to let a pony graze?
Some people use their round pen or a paddock where no grass grows. Another option is to use a grazing muzzle. Grazing muzzles let a pony graze, but only get a few blades at a time. The spaces in the muzzle also allow the pony to drink, so of course, make sure your pony has access to clean fresh water.
Why is my pony chewing so hard?
Hooks and sharp edges can make chewing uncomfortable because their mouths are compact and teeth, tongue, and gums can be closer together than on some horses . Don't forget to have your vet check your pony's teeth to ensure it can chew easily. You don’t want your pony losing weight because it has a sore mouth.
How to make a pony shaped shetland?
To make a shetland, pony shaped takes real skill they often look hippy and pot bellied, I am a fan of protein fibre like alfalfa mixed with oat straw and a good low calorie balancer fed initially at half rate . He should weigh close to 200kg so his total food intake should be about 4 kgs dry weight a bit less once he is the right shape. Exercise and hard work like being driven by adults will mean you can up his food after you up his work if needed. I will admit to having seen hundreds of malnurished shetlands both too fat and too thin
What makes you sad?
Old thread or not, it makes me sad.#N#To many Shetland and cobby types live their lives stuck in a starvation pen without enough to eat. What a sorry existence.#N#You can feed without too many calories so easily too! There is just no need for it.#N#My chubsters have top chop zero with a balancer and they get soaked hay and straw nets at different times through the day.#N#There is no excuse to keep a horse in a condition where he is permanantly hungry. It's wicked.
What to do if a dog is ribby?
If he's ribby and showing his hips he needs more feed: they are hard to make thin but you can starve them too much.
Do Shetlands get hay?
My shetlands live out 24/7 and get some hay throughout the day as well as breakfast and tea. They get a scoop of Hi-Fi Lite and a scoop of Speedi Beet
Can a starving paddock eat hay?
A starvation paddock over the winter will have nothing at all for him to eat, so one section of hay isn't going to be nearly enough. A general supplement will make sure he has all he needs (a scoop of low cal or something like Pink Powder in a handful of chaff) in terms of vits an minerals, then he needs more hay.
Can a shettie live off of carbs?
Exactly! Even though they can live from very little carbs they still need forage, my Shettie is out through the day on very short poor grass then gets 2 slices of hay overnight and has a min lick in his stable. Many good doers metabolic rates are totally messed up with ppl who think they can live off of very little feed, when in fact it just makes their bodies go into starvation mode. Keeping tabs on thier fibre intake and insuring their sugar levels are extremely low or zilch should help aid a healthy weight, and as much exercise as you can provide.
Is My Shetland stable?
My Shetland is stabled at night 24/7/365. He's muzzled in the summer, but he does get a handful of Dodson & Horrell safe and Sound morning and night. He has a larger portion over the winter. It's specifically aimed at laminitics and is designed to support healthy hooves a gut. It's also a bit more interesting than standard chop.
What to give pregnant mares?
As with all horses, provide a pregnant mare with free-choice access to a fresh, clean water source and a salt block or loose salt. One type of hay or pasture to avoid is fescue, which is often infected with an endophyte that causes problems in pregnant mares, including prolonged gestation, difficult delivery, and lack of milk.
What is the primary feed for a mare?
The primary feedstuff should be good-quality forage in the form of pasture or hay, and a source of essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can come from a well-fortified textured or pelleted feed formulated especially for pregnant mares, or from a balancer pellet, which is a concentrated source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
How long does a mare need to be pregnant?
Provide vitamins and minerals. For the first seven or eight months of pregnancy, the mare requires no special upgrade in calories. She does, however, need sufficient intake of high-quality feedstuffs to maintain moderate body condition. The primary feedstuff should be good-quality forage in the form of pasture or hay, ...
Why should a mare be kept at a higher body condition score?
One exception to this point: if a mare is known to drop weight exceedingly fast at the onset of lactation, she might be kept at a slightly higher body condition score to help cope with the energy drain of milk production. 2. Provide vitamins and minerals.
How to gauge a mare's diet?
Gauge the diet through regular , preferably weekly, body condition scoring. As the weight of the fetus and associated fluids increases, the abdomen drops, and gravity will sometimes cause the flesh to pull tightly against the ribs of the mare, allowing a hint of rib to show. This is normal, especially among aged mares with relaxed toplines that have had many foals, so it is essential that all regions of the body are inspected for fat deposition, such as the crest of the neck, along the shoulder bed, over the croup, and near the top of the tail.
What body condition should a pregnant mare have?
A pregnant mare should be kept in moderate to moderately fleshy body condition throughout pregnancy. Body condition above a score of 6 only adds unnecessary weight to the mare’s limbs, and this could be difficult for a mare that has soundness issues, including arthritic changes from past performance careers.
Where is fat deposition on a mare?
This is normal, especially among aged mares with relaxed toplines that have had many foals, so it is essential that all regions of the body are inspected for fat deposition, such as the crest of the neck, along the shoulder bed, over the croup, and near the top of the tail.
What to feed a dry mare?
Dry mares in early gestation can basically be fed like any other mature, idle horse. Good quality pasture or hay along with a supplement such as Purina ® Free Balance 12:12 vitamin/mineral supplement or Enrich Plus ® Ration Balancing horse feed may be all that is necessary to meet these mares’ nutritional requirements.
Why is winter so difficult for pregnant mares?
Winter, with its sometimes extreme weather, poses some nutritional challenges for pregnant mares because this is the transition time from mid to late gestation.
Why is it important to lactate a mare?
Plus, lactating mares need a great deal of energy to support optimal milk production. This means that late gestation is the last good opportunity to get a thin mare in good shape for supplying milk for the suckling foal, as well as preparing for the next breeding season.
When does Mare's milk retain minerals?
During the tenth month of gestation the greatest amount of mineral retention occurs in the unborn foal. Mare’s milk is practically devoid of trace minerals that are essential for proper bone development, such as copper.
Does a mare need more hay?
The increased size of the fetus also takes up more room in the mare’s body cavity, resulting in the mare eating less hay or forage.
How to feed a pregnant mare?
Feeding the pregnant mare correctly and matching the nutrients to the grass, hay and haylage fed is the best way to build the best foal possible. Without knowing the nutrient levels in the forage fed then it is difficult to know where best to start with protein and mineral supplementation.
What is the best vitamin for pregnant mares?
Vitamin E is crucial for a healthy and resilient immune system. It has recently been confirmed in a 2011 study from Copenhagen that increased levels of immunoglobins (antibodies) where seen in the colostrum of mares supplemented vitamin E in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Their foals were also found to have improved vitamin E status and IgM levels. Winter feeding where green and growing pasture is absent will result in very poor levels of vitamin E so this vitamin should be supplemented from the beginning of October right through to the end of April or until green and growing grass becomes the main part of the diet. Green and growing grass contains high levels of vitamin E . The level of vitamin E fed in the Copenhagen study was over 4IU per kg of bodyweight which is twice the current NRC 2007 maintenance level. You should always supplement a pregnant mare with vitamin E unless the mare is on good pasture.
How much protein should a pregnant mare eat?
Be aware though that many forages are really quite low in protein 6-7% average and a pregnant mare will need an average of 11% protein in the diet to be able to keep herself at optimum health at the same time as building the new life within her.
What to do if my mare won't eat forage?
If your mare will not eat enough forage in the last 4 months of pregnancy to supply energy and protein demands then you should have a plan to feed concentrates and increase slowly. Forageplus can advise you further on the best way to do this to keep the balance of the minerals correct in the diet.
What is the most important thing to consider in the first 4 months of pregnancy?
Protein is the most important consideration in the first four months. The foal grow s to the size of a beagle during this time but the placenta is developing over this period and protein quantity and quality (meaning good access to all the essential amino acids) is critical. Poor protein levels and quality have been shown to lead to low progesterone and possible losses in early pregnancy.
What is the protein level of a pregnant mare?
A 500 kg pregnant mare on a purely forage based diet, pasture or hay/haylage needs a greater protein level at 1100 grams. This is because the quality of protein provided in forage will be of a poorer quality than that in cereal.
What is the importance of feeding pregnant mares?
Feeding the pregnant mare with accurate nutrition as a developing embryo will lead to robust, healthy organs and body structure such as bones, tendons and ligaments.
What does a miniature horse / shetland pony cost in maintenance?
Since a small horse is also considerably lighter than a large horse, you can get multiple treatments out of a syringe with deworming paste. Such a paste costs, depending on the active substance, between € 9 and € 20. It is recommended to deworm your horse regularly. This means about 3 to 4 times a year. You can do this after performing a manure examination at the vet, for example, so that you know which worming treatment you need.
Why do miniature horses need muesli?
That's why a miniature horse generally needs more than a Shetland pony. Chunk, muesli or vitamin chunks are necessary for the vitamins and minerals that both need.
Is a miniature horse more resistant to rain?
One miniature horse is more resistant to rain and cold than the other. So take a good look at what your horse would need.
Is beet pulp good for miniature horses?
With miniature horses, soaked beet pulp is often chosen in the diet. This provides extra filling in the top line and is also food that falls under roughage. Is your mini horse too fat already? Then beet pulp is not recommended as it causes an increase in weight .
Do miniature horses like cold weather?
Mini horses are seen as warm-blooded. This means that they are less resistant to extreme weather conditions and cold. Here too, of course, there are exceptions, but most miniature horses prefer a warm stable for the night. Another option is outside 24/7, but with the option of being able to shelter in a windproof and watertight shelter.
Do small horses have to go to the farrier?
Just like big horses and ponies, small horses have to go to the farrier. Some farriers make a distinction in price. If you have a large horse, it is possible that you pay more for felling than for a small horse. However, not all farriers make a distinction between them.
Can a miniature horse be alone?
One important rule applies to all miniature horses, shetland ponies, ponies and horses: They are herds of animals! A miniature horse, shetland pony, pony or horse should never be alone, but always with at least one counterpart. A relative likes a horse or pony and not a donkey, goat or sheep. A horse cannot communicate with a donkey, goat or sheep and will still be lonely.
