NUTRITION IN YOUNG FOALS

Our discussion of nutrition in young foals is taken, in part, from a publication by Drs. Pete Gibbs and Gary Potter as printed in the "Texas Horse Owner’s Reference Guide". The following is printed with the permission of Dr. Pete Gibbs:

FEEDING YEARLINGS

“As young horses become yearlings, the nutrient concentration in proportion to energy levels in feedstuffs becomes lower but no less important. Yearlings not being fitted for sales, futurities or early training can be developed at a moderate rate of growth on all forage diets. Forage availability is as important as forage quality in determining growth rates. Yearlings being fitted or conditioned and receiving forced exercise will require a combination of roughage and concentrate, regardless of whether moderate or rapid growth is desired. Yearlings receiving top quality grass hay or grazing can be fed a balanced ration, at a 65:35 ratio of grain-to-hay. If lower quality hay is being fed (less than 7.5 % crude protein), a ration higher in protein and other nutrients would be required. Yearlings fed top quality alfalfa hay (minimum 15% crude protein) will require a grain or concentrate containing at least 12% crude protein. Since hay quality is quite variable, serious horse owners can benefit by taking core samples from the hay supply to be analyzed for nutrient content."

LEVELS OF FEEDING

“Some of the very best formulated rations do not yield desirable result simply because of the manner in which they are fed. Even the most carefully balanced grain mix will only be as effective as the feeding management program in which it is used. Hay and grain intake varies according to the individual and is influenced by exercise. Body condition should be monitored routinely and horsemen should increase or decrease the feed allowance based on a horse’s appearance. Remember that all horses’ requirements are on a weight rather than a volume basis. Feed intake should be increased gradually, making sure that hay intake remains adequate. Note the differences in feed intake for moderate versus rapid growth.”

View Archived Doctor's Notes:

• Immunizations for Foals
• Overview of Immunizations
• Mosquito Born Diseases
• Getting Ready for Breeding Season

To obtain a copy of this excellent reference source for all horse owners, managers, trainers, etc., you may contact TAMUS, The Horse Specialist’s Office at (979) 845-1562.