Feeding the Pregnant Mare
Feeding the pregnant mare is one of the most important factors for both foal development and the mare’s wellbeing during pregnancy. The mare’s nutrition does not only affect her own condition, but also directly determines the nutritional foundation the foal has even before birth.
The foal’s nutrition begins already in the womb.
Building the Foundation – It All Starts with Forage
The foundation of feeding the pregnant mare is high-quality forage:
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good quality hay or haylage
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sufficient energy intake
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a consistent feeding routine
When the base diet is well balanced, the need for additional supplements remains controlled and the overall feeding plan stays clear.
Minerals and Trace Elements – Small but Crucial
The fetus receives all necessary minerals and trace elements from the mare.
Key nutrients include:
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calcium and phosphorus (bone development)
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zinc and copper (tissue development and growth)
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selenium (part of the antioxidant system)
If the mare is deficient, the fetus will also receive less.
Vitamin E and Selenium – A Direct Link to the Foal
The mare’s nutrition directly affects the foal’s nutritional status both during gestation and after birth.
Research has shown that:
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selenium intake in the mare directly influences selenium levels in colostrum, milk and the foal
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the foal’s selenium status is largely built through the dam
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the newborn foal receives most of its vitamin E from colostrum
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the mare’s vitamin E level largely determines the foal’s intake during the first days of life
In practice, this means the mare’s nutrition directly determines nutrient availability for the foal.
The Antioxidant System – Why It Matters
Vitamin E and selenium work together in the body’s antioxidant system.
This system:
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protects cells from oxidative stress
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supports normal cellular function
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plays a key role in metabolism
During pregnancy, its importance increases because:
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fetal tissues develop rapidly
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cell division is highly active
Adequate intake of vitamin E and selenium in the mare also supports the developing fetus.
Colostrum – The Foal’s First Nutrition
Colostrum is the foal’s first and most important source of nutrition.
Research shows that:
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the mare’s nutrition affects colostrum composition
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vitamin E is linked to colostrum antioxidant content
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nutrition may also influence antibody levels
Colostrum forms the foundation of the foal’s early nutritional status.
Omega Fatty Acids – Often Overlooked but Important
While protein, minerals and vitamins often receive most attention, the quality of fat is also important.
Omega fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids:
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are part of cell structures
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contribute to normal body functions
What Do Omega Fatty Acids Do?
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form part of cell membranes
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participate in metabolic regulation
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are involved in the body’s normal inflammatory response
During pregnancy, their role increases because:
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fetal tissues and cells develop rapidly
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the need for cell membrane building blocks increases
Effects on Mare and Foal
Research indicates that:
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the mare’s fatty acid profile affects the foal’s fatty acid profile
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omega-3 fatty acids are transferred through the placenta
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they are also transferred via colostrum and milk
In practice, the quality of fat in the mare’s diet is reflected in the foal.
Omega-3 vs Omega-6 – Balance Is Key
Many diets contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids (grains, oils), while omega-3 intake remains low.
The goal should therefore be:
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adequate omega-3 intake
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a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio
Good Sources of Omega-3
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flaxseed / linseed oil
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chia seeds, hemp seeds
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algae-based DHA sources
These are also suitable for pregnant mares.
Why Does This Matter?
Omega fatty acids are not just an “extra”, but part of the whole:
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support normal cell structure
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are involved in tissue formation
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are transferred directly to the foal
Together with protein, minerals and vitamins, they form a balanced diet.
The Last Trimester – The Most Critical Phase
The final third of pregnancy is the most critical stage for feeding.
During this period:
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up to 60–70% of fetal growth occurs
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the mare’s nutritional requirements increase rapidly
What Should Be Considered?
1. Energy
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sufficient intake without excessive weight gain
2. Protein
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high quality and sufficient quantity
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supports tissue development
3. Minerals and Vitamins
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especially Ca, P, Zn, Cu
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as well as vitamin E and selenium
Practical Feeding
As the foal grows, it takes up more space in the abdomen →
the mare cannot consume large meals at once
Therefore:
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smaller meals
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more frequent feeding
Simplicity Works
Feeding the pregnant mare should remain simple:
✔️ forage + minerals + protein
✔️ simple additions (seeds, berries)
❌ strong herbal blends
The simpler the feeding, the easier it is to manage.
Water and Salt – Basics Matter
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adequate water intake is essential
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salt (sodium) should be part of the daily diet
Often overlooked, but absolutely necessary
After Foaling
A well-fed mare:
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recovers more evenly
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maintains body condition better
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transitions more smoothly into lactation
And most importantly:
the foal’s nutrition does not begin at birth – it begins during pregnancy
Summary
Key principles of feeding the pregnant mare:
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high-quality forage
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sufficient energy and protein
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balanced mineral and trace element intake
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vitamin E and selenium as part of the whole
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clear and controlled feeding
Especially: the last trimester is critical
References
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Pagan, J. D. et al. (2009). Effect of selenium supplementation on mares and foals
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National Research Council (NRC, 2007). Nutrient Requirements of Horses
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Hoffman, R. M. (2013). Nutrition of the pregnant and lactating mare
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Finno, C. J. & Valberg, S. J. (2012). Vitamin E and selenium in equine health
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BEVA – Colostrum and foal immunity guidelines
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McKenzie, E. C. et al. (2017). Effects of vitamin E supplementation in mares
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Burns, T. A. et al. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acids in mares and foals
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Hess, T. M. et al. (2012). Fatty acids in equine nutrition
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O’Connor, C. I. et al. (2007). Dietary fatty acids and reproduction
