How to Feed a Lactating Mare

A lactating mare requires large amounts of both feed and hay. In fact, she needs almost double the protein and energy from feed and hay than she does while pregnant. It is virtually impossible to put weight on a mare who is lactating so it is important to have her at a good weight leading up to foaling. Lactating mares can produce from 3 to 4 gallons of milk a day and need adequate nutrition to maintain themselves and their foals. Learn how to feed a lactating mare by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know when the estimated due date is for the mare to give birth. Start adding feed to her diet the last three months before foaling so there is not a dramatic increase in feed when she foals. Alfalfa hay should be added at this point if not already a regular part of her diet for the added calcium levels.

2. Determine the weight of the mare after the foal is born. She needs about 2 percent to 3 percent of her body weight in food per day. This includes feed, hay and grass. Grain should be kept at 1.75 percent or less of this daily requirement. The remaining amount should be from high-quality hay and grass.

3. Provide good-quality grass and hay to the mare at all times of the day. Roughage should be freely available. Feed should be weighed and split into at least two separate feedings each day. Three or more feedings is best.

4. Decrease the amount of feed slowly during the fourth and fifth months of the foal's life. The mare will still produce milk, but by this time the foal should be eating some feed on his own, requiring less nutrition from the mare's milk.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't dramatically increase the mare's feed at one time. Slowly add feed to her daily intake. Adding too much feed at once can cause digestive problems.