MANY OWNERS DREAM of breeding from their favourite mare, or of purchasing a foal, but if that dream is about to become a reality, the prospect of managing the new offspring’s diet may suddenly seem somewhat daunting. Do pregnant mares need to eat for two? How can essential nutrients be supplied without excess weight gain or unwanted growth spurts? And so the questions go on.
The dangers of obesity
Obesity comes with a host of health and welfare risks for any adult horse, but it has additional consequences for mares, foals and yearlings…
■ Obesity in a mare can lead to altered oestrous cycles and may be associated with dermatitis and oedema (fluid build-up that leads to swelling) of the genitals and mammary glands. ■ Obesity may affect fertility in mares (and stallions). ■ Excess mammary fat may lead to reduced milk production and, in turn, ■ Foals born to obese mares may show an increase in low-grade inflammation, reduced insulin sensitivity and be at an increased risk of developing osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD, a form of developmental orthopaedic disease) as yearlings. ■ Oversupplying calories increases the risk of excess weight gain, unwanted growth spurts and developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) in foals and youngstock.
