Many broodmares are currently still in the final months of gestation. This is a crucial phase in the development of the unborn foal. We would therefore like to take a closer look at the nutritional needs of pregnant mares.

During the first 5-6 months of gestation, the fetus is still developing very slowly and the energy and protein requirements of the broodmare are quite low. In many cases, a quality roughage is sufficient to meet the main nutritional needs. However, supplementing the ration with a good vitamin and mineral balancer is recommended to maintain good health and resistance. A well-balanced licking bucket can also be a practical alternative for mares housed in groups (or on pasture). Breeding mares that are still being ridden obviously do have higher energy requirements and are best supplemented with a quality concentrate feed. Mares that are too skinny can also be given some extra concentrate feed at this stage to get in better condition.

From the ^5th month of gestation the need for energy and especially protein increases for the development of the placenta and especially in the last trimester of gestation the unborn foal develops very rapidly. Towards the end of gestation, the protein requirement therefore increases by more than 40%! The energy requirement increases by about 25-30%. It is therefore important to monitor the condition of mares towards the end of pregnancy. Some mares will be able to maintain their condition by taking in more roughage, other mares will start to lose body condition themselves because they are giving a lot of nutrients to the foal. These mares will therefore need concentrate feed supplementation. Mares at the end of the gestation are best a little more in condition (without being too fat, of course) to allow good milk production during lactation.

In addition to energy and protein, pregnant mares also have an increased need for certain trace elements, vitamins and minerals during the last trimester. Copper requirements for the unborn foal, for example, have been shown to increase significantly. Mares that receive too little copper during pregnancy produce foals at increased risk of OCDs. In addition, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium play an important role in the foal’s bone formation. Vitamins A, E and beta-carotene, in turn, are important to maintain the mare’s resistance around foaling and to produce enough quality colostrum so that the foal has a good start.

VitaMinalia Equine OPTIGROW was developed to optimally support the broodmare at the end of pregnancy (and during lactation) with high-quality proteins, vitamins, highly absorbable trace elements and minerals. So that you can give your foal the best possible start!

Do not hesitate to contact us in case of additional questions!