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Newborn foals nurse frequently—as often as every 10 minutes—in their first few days, but this rate tapers off to about once an hour by the time the foal is a few weeks old. This is also the time when a foal begins to nibble grass and take a taste of grain from the mare’s feed tub. Sharing the mare’s grain is a healthy introduction to concentrated feeds, as a feed formulated for lactating mares will also be suitable for their foals.

Skeletal development requires trace minerals that are contained only in low levels in mare’s milk. A foal stores these minerals in its liver before birth, supporting cartilage and bone growth in its early weeks, but continuing supplies must be provided by a fortified feed. This is the reason foals should be given their own ration by the time they are four to six weeks old, beginning with a small amount and increasing gradually as the foal grows. A good rule of thumb is to feed one pound for each month of the foal’s age, splitting the ration among several feedings as the amount increases. Because the majority of the skeleton is laid down by the time the foal is nine months old, it’s important to provide mineral fortification with a feed specifically formulated for growing horses during this time.

Grass, the most natural of equine foods, should always be available when foals are turned out, and hay should be provided in the stall. Alfalfa (lucerne) or an alfalfa/grass mix will provide both energy and calcium for sound skeletal development. Water and salt should be accessible to mares and foals at all times.

Pushing foals for fast weight gain can be a recipe for bone problems, so managers should keep track of weight and adjust the foal’s diet to keep a smooth, steady growth plane. Foals should also be checked for swelling, heat, or sensitivity in the joints, as these may indicate that the feeding program needs to be adjusted. Options include cutting back on grain or using a balancer pellet to provide nutrients without overloading on calories.

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