When a breeder has to look after a pregnant mare for the first time, there can be many doubts. It is clear that the mare needs more attention than the others, but there is no need to worry: with the right care, everything will go well. Here are some tips not to be underestimated.

Pregnant mare feeding

.
Every mare requires different feeding depending on the stage of gestation she is in. The general advice is to use hay and grass as the main feed, and then supplement meals with grain as required. Of course, the mare must always have a good amount of fresh, clean water at her disposal.

Your veterinary surgeon will be able to draw up a feeding plan that will allow you to calibrate the food appropriately, in order to provide the pregnant mare with the right supply of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. The diet may also vary depending on the specific environmental and climatic conditions of the location. Obviously, the mare’s morphology also influences the amount and type of feed.

Usually, in the first few months of pregnancy, there are no special precautions to consider in terms of nutrition. Instead, it will be important to increase energy intake progressively during the second trimester, the period in which the placenta develops most rapidly. During this phase, the mare’s protein requirements increase. From the seventh month of gestation onwards, it will be important to consider supplementing with vitamins and minerals.

Preparation of the foaling bed

.
When you have a pregnant mare, you must also think about the time of foaling and prepare in advance. In such cases, it is advisable to use a straw bedding. The latter, unlike the shavings found in other bedding, is safer for the animal. It is less abrasive to the mare’s genitals and udders.

In addition, it must be considered that bedding made of shavings and sawdust may contain a certain bacterium, namely Klebsiella pneumoniae, capable of causing infection. This bacterium could prove to be a problem for both foal and mother.

Straw is also the best solution because it is more difficult for the foal to inhale. Inhaling sawdust and shavings is much easier, which is clearly not a good thing.

The vet’s support

.
In addition to what we have said so far, it must not be forgotten that, just as with a pregnant woman, a pregnant mare must also be monitored. That is why, in addition to constant observation by the breeder, it is always important to have the support of your veterinary surgeon. The professional will be able to follow the mare through periodic checks and should keep available for emergencies. It is of course very important that the vet is also present during the foal’s birth. In this way, complications and difficulties that could compromise the health of mother and child can be avoided.

The use of Foaling Alarm to protect the pregnant mare

.
Another precaution not to be underestimated is the use of foaling alarm systems for equines. These tools help safeguard the health of foals and their mothers. Among our solutions you can also find the C6 EVO IoT device, which will help you monitor the pregnant mare and the progress of her gestation. Thanks to this innovative system you will be able to receive constant, real-time updates, be present at the birth and contact your vet at the right time. Discover all the features of our product and don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.