Weaning EQM 120 – Introduction to Commercial Breeding

The Weaning Process When do we wean? When the foal’s nutrient needs are no longer provided primarily by the mare’s milk Typically foals are weaned at 4-6 months of age Prior to weaning, foals should be consuming a concentrate ration that supplies the majority of its nutrient requirements (ex. Creep Feed) Helps to have them accustomed to the feeds they will eat prior to weaning Will help prevent post-weaning slump in growth Early weaning May be necessary due to Sickness of the mare Mare is a poor milk producer Injury to mare’s udder Training or showing of the mare A foal that is growing too slowly or too quickly and needs a more controlled diet To give a mare a better chance of maintaining next pregnancy

Factors to Consider Prior to Weaning Weaning is a stressful process on the foal Can lead to: Decreases in feed intake and growth rates A study on Thoroughbred Farms in Central Kentucky found the average daily gain in the week following weaning was reduced to 33% of the rate observed before weaning Increases to infectious diseases, gastric ulcers and risk of self injury Prior to weaning the foal should be In good health Accustomed to being handled and eating solid feed Vaccinations and deworming completed 2 weeks prior

Weaning Methods Gradual Reduces stress, especially on foals Method In a herd situation, remove 1-2 of the mares with the oldest foals, leaving their foals with other mares; gradually continue to remove mares as their foals reach weaning age or Separate mares and foals by fence, but foals may still see, hear, and smell mares for 7 days prior to complete separation. This method can provide additional risks of mare or foal running thru the fence.

Once weaned, foals should be housed in paddocks with other weanlings Weaning Methods Abrupt Method Separate mares and foals so that neither can see, hear, or smell each other An older gelding or barren mare can be kept with the weanlings as a “babysitter” More stressful at first, but within 2 weeks there is generally no difference in feed intake between foals that have been weaned gradually or those weaned abruptly Once weaned, foals should be housed in paddocks with other weanlings

Mare Care During Weaning If possible, stop feeding grain 5-7 days prior to weaning Reduces milk production and therefore stress Do not feed grain, if possible, for at least 2 weeks after weaning and decrease forage intake to 1.5 – 2lbs/100lbs of body weight Within a week, the udder should be soft and flabby, any residue may be milked out After lactation has ceased, evaluate condition and weight of the mare and increase feed and forage as necessary

Care of the Weanling Weanlings should spend the majority of the day and night outside with other weanlings similar in age The ability to exercise their skeletal structure helps increase bone mineralization and strengthen connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments Little or no turnout will cause growing horses to have more porous and demineralized bone, putting them at greater risk for injury Turnout will help keep their stress levels lower and avoid developing bad behavior such as stall walking, pawing, etc.

Feeding the Weanling Important feeding time because weanlings are growing rapidly and develop considerable bone and muscle Key components to consider: Energy is needed to promote growth and development, but too much or too little can put them at risk for Developmental Orthopedic Disease High quality protein is needed for muscle, ligament, and tissue development

Energy and Nutrient Recommendations for Weanlings Desired Daily Weight Gain

Feeding Management Needs to be able to eat without interference or aggression from other weanlings Feeding in the stall at least once a day ensures controlled consumption of feed and keeps the weanling used to being handled Pasture feeding can be done by making sure older and younger weanlings are separated and feed tubs are spread far apart

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