Woodland View Equine Services

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FOALING

-OPTIMIZE NUTRITION & BODY CONDITION - the mare’s body condition and diet during pregnancy influence in-utero growth and early-life development of the foal.
• After ~7 months of gestation fetal growth accelerates; the mare’s requirements for protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A increase, so the feeding program typically needs adjustment.
• Hay vs pasture can differ in vitamin/mineral content; long-stored hay may have reduced vitamin A.
• Vitamin/mineral supplementation matters because the fetus stores key trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, manganese) in the liver for early postnatal use; copper is important for cartilage/bone development.
• Vitamin E and selenium status has been associated with improved immunity in mares and foals; selenium deficiency is associated with white muscle disease in foals.
- DEWORM - deworm mare 1 month before foaling with ivermectin product to lower parasite burden and 48 hours after foaling to reduce Strongyloides westeri exposure, which is largely via the milk and has been associated with severe foal diarrhea.
- VACCINATE - 1 month before due date
- CASLICK? - remove caslick 1m before