Pregnant Miniature Mare Nutrition

Your miniature mare will need a variety of nutritional sources during her pregnancy.

Your pregnant miniature mare's nutritional needs will change throughout the pregnancy and then change again when she lactates. While the quantities will, of course, be smaller, a miniature mare needs the same nutrients a full-sized horse needs.

Miniature Mare Gestation

Miniature mares gestate for a slightly shorter time period than their larger cohorts, carrying for 320 to 340 days. They require the same general health care as regular-sized horses though they often have a harder time giving birth.

First Two Thirds of the Pregnancy

During the first two-thirds of the pregnancy, mares typically can be fed their usual maintenance diet. Generally the mare's 8 percent dietary protein requirement can be met using hay alone, though you may supplement with grain. Grain should not exceed 20 percent.

Last Three Months of Gestation

At this stage of the pregnancy, the foal is drastically increasing in weight daily. The mare may not be able to eat enough hay to get all the nutrients she needs. A concentrated source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals will be needed.

Suggested Grains for Last Three Months of Gestation

A mixture of cracked corn, soybean meal, wheat bran, ground limestone, molasses and a vitamin pre-mix can give your mare the added nutrients she needs.

Lactating Miniature Mare

Lactating mares need more nutritionally than any other horse would need normally. It is suggested you feed your mare the grain mix suggested above along with a mix of green grass pasture, mature grass pasture and alfalfa.

References

• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service:
• Equine Health Study Program: Certain Diseases Affect Miniature Horses