1. Weaning
EQM 120 – Introduction to Commercial Breeding

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Energy and Nutrient Recommendations for Weanlings
Desired Daily Weight Gain

10. 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

11. Please use the following password to access Quiz 8:
EQM120Weanling