Nutrition & Growth

Nutrition & growth; foals

After birth, colostrum (colostrum) is the most important thing. Colostrum contains many antibodies. A foal is born "sterile," or it does not yet have antibodies to protect itself from infection. In the womb, the foal gets virtually no antibodies because the placenta does not allow antibodies to pass through. So the foal is completely dependent on colostrum, the mare's first milk. The foal can absorb antibodies in the intestine only in the first 24 hours, with most antibodies being able to be absorbed within 6-8 hours. After 24 hours, the small intestine closes completely to absorbing antibodies. The foal needs at least 2 liters of colostrum to get enough antibodies into the blood.

After colostrum, milk is the main source of nutrition in the first three months of life. From the age of 2/3 months, milk alone may not be complete for proper and healthy growth rate. You can then feed the foal special foal kibble, this is also called Creep feeding. A method to get the young lactating animal already used to the food fed after weaning and supplements the deficiencies from the milk. Research has shown that creep feeding is associated with lower weaning stress in foals.

Nutrition & growth; weaning age

At 6 months of age, most foals are weaned. The intake of proper food sources and nutrients is then even more important. At weaning age, horses are most susceptible to developing skeletal disorders, such as OCD. Although this condition may be primarily genetic, nutrition plays an important role. What are the most important nutrients?

Calcium, Phosphorus & Magnesium

Bone consists of about 35% Calcium, 14% Phosphorus and 60-70% of magnesium is also found in bones. So all three are important for skeletal strength, healthy bones and bone growth. The ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus is very important, the ratio should be 1.5:1. This is because young horses can absorb more Calcium from food than fully grown horses. In fact, for full-grown horses, the ideal ratio of Calcium:Phosphorus is 2:1.

Copper, Zinc and Manganese

For healthy bone and cartilage growth, the trace elements Copper, Zinc and Manganese are essential. Copper is the most important element in bone and cartilage growth, Copper is required for the synthesis of connective tissue. Zinc has a stimulating effect on cartilage synthesis. In addition, Copper and Zinc are also important for a good immune system and support skin and coat condition. Manganese is important for skeletal strength, cartilage and bone formation. Manganese deficiency manifests itself in leg deformity, lameness and poor coordination in young horses.

Protein

Proteins are building blocks of the body and are needed for many processes in the body. A growing horse has an increased need for protein. Here, the essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine and methione are especially important.

Vitamins

Vitamin A and D, in particular, are essential for normal growth and development. Vitamin A has several functions, including bone remodeling (the continual replacement of bone tissue). Vitamin D promotes the absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus from the intestine, the absorption of Calcium from bone, and the reabsorption of Calcium by the kidneys. Under the influence of sunlight, the skin itself can produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can cause various bone disorders.

Nutrition & growth; a balanced ration

The ultimate goal of a growing horse, is to achieve healthy growth and prevent developmental problems (especially orthopedic problems). This can be achieved by offering a balanced ration. Do you have doubts about the ration of your foal(s)? Then feel free to contact us, we can help you establish the most balanced ration possible.