Horse Breeding

How Do I Know if My Mare Has Milk?

  Around one month prior to foaling, the teats and udder of your mare mayl become enlarged, due to milk production. However, there are also many changes taking place beneath the surface. In this article, we discuss what you should know about mare lactation.   Every foal — domesticated or wild — relies on the milk of their dam during the first months of life for survival. The mare’s milk not only provides them with immunity from disease, but also the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. As an expectant foal owner, it’s important you understand the process of horse lactation. Let’s explore how the secretion, composition and quality of mare milk changes before and after foaling — from pregnancy to lactation.   Secretion Before Birth Between two and four weeks prior to parturition, your pregnant mare’s teats and udder will become noticeably larger. The mammary glands are steadily filling with milk, in preparation for the arrival of her newborn foal. However, with such high pressure, any weakness within the muscles of the mammary glands can result in leakage — causing her to stream valuable colostrum, made of immunoglobulins. This secretion isn’t normal and any lost colostrum can place your foal’s life at risk.   After Birth As the foal matures, their requirement for milk is directly linked to their nutrient intake from other sources. When pasture consumption and creep feeding increases, their demands to suckle decreases and so too does milk production. This can cause serious problems if unexpected. Within just 24 hours, your mare’s mammary glands begin to respond to less suckling. If the foal is unable to suckle for 24 hours and other measures aren’t put in place, milk production may be insufficient following their recovery.   Composition Your mare’s milk is a rich source of fat, protein and lactose to support their young foal’s growth and development. It contains: Fat: Globules which contain a high concentration of short-chained fatty acids Protein: Immunoglobulins are the first form of protein produced and found within the colostrum. During lactation, protein remains present in the form of caseins and whey proteins. Lactose: Made up by two molecules of glucose, lactose is easily digested by foals to provide them with readily digestible energy until they reach 9-12 months of age. While mare owners often don’t want to think of this scenario, complications during foaling or developmental problems can leave you with an orphan foal or one providing a higher level of support in the form of bottle feeding. Your veterinarian will be able to assist you in formulating a suitable diet for your newborn foal, should this occur. Remember, it’s not advised to feed milk from other animals to foals at any stage in their development.   Quality The quality of your mare’s milk will change dramatically over the course of lactation. During the first 12 hours following parturition, her milk contains 13.5% protein, produced by the immunoglobulins within the colostrum. However, after 12 hours, the milk’s high protein concentration begins to decline rapidly; gradually falling to 2.7% protein during the remainder of lactation. In addition, while lactose — sugar — levels remain relatively constant throughout lactation, fats, calcium and phosphorus will also drop, similar to protein. This decrease in nutrients is nature’s encouragement for your growing foal to seek nutrients from sources other than their dam.  

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How Do I Know if My Mare is Pregnant?

While there are common signs many mares display when pregnant, the most effective and reliable method is an examination by your veterinarian. To determine pregnancy status, they will select from several veterinary tests available, which we outline in this article. Transrectal Ultrasound Most commonly, transrectal ultrasound is used to confirm a positive pregnancy. Transrectal ultrasound not only verifies the status of the pregnancy, but can be used as early as 10 or 11 days post-ovulation. A transrectal ultrasound provides the following information to your veterinarian: Confirmation of whether or not your mare is in foal Estimated foaling date, which is particularly helpful if breeding dates are unknownVisualization of the fetus and its heartbeat at 24 days or more following ovulation In the early stages of pregnancy, problems can arise that place your mare or unborn foal at risk. Transrectal ultrasound also indicates any problems with the pregnancy, which can be dealt with immediately by your veterinarian. Blood Test There are several blood tests that can be performed by your veterinarian to determine pregnancy status if transrectal ultrasound isn’t used. While some blood tests are more favorable than others for accuracy, each allows mare owners to test for positive pregnancy at different stages of gestation. These include: Day 12-14: measure progesterone levelsDay 35-140: measure equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) levelsDay 80: measure oestrogen levels Progesterone At Day 12-14, progesterone levels will often remain elevated in pregnant mares for the duration of their pregnancy. However, elevated progesterone levels aren’t a reliable indicator of pregnancy in all mares. If progesterone concentration is less than 1 ng/ml, the mare is likely not pregnant. Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) Following Day 35, eCG levels will rise and remain elevated until Day 100-140 of gestation. While elevated eCG levels are a reliable indicator of a positive pregnancy, this test can only be performed between Days 35 and 140 post-ovulation. Oestrogen At Day 80, oestrogen starts being produced by the fetus and the placenta. An increase in conjugated or total oestrogen levels indicates a positive pregnancy. However, oestrogen levels can’t be tested prior to Day 80 of gestation. For many, breeding a mare represents a sizeable investment in time, money, and resources. A qualified equine reproductive veterinarian will be able to give you the most definitive answer on your mare’s pregnancy status, so you spend less time guessing and more time preparing for the arrival of a healthy newborn foal.

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How Long Should Foaling Take?

You’ve waited patiently for the past 11 months and now it’s time for your mare to foal. In this article, we share how long should foaling take, and the normal process of foaling down, so you know what to expect and when to call your veterinarian should the unexpected arise. It’s hard to believe that after a 335-345 gestation period, foaling can be over in as quick as 20 minutes! Usually, foaling will occur without a hitch, but with such a short timeframe, problems can escalate fast, so it’s best to be prepared. Three Stages of Foaling In a normal foaling, there are three stages: Stage One: 1-4 Hours The foal is on the way! During the first stage of parturition, which can last for four hours or longer, your mare’s cervix is dilating and her foal is re-positioning itself for birth. It’s not uncommon for mares to appear anxious at this time and exhibit signs similar to colic, including: While all of the above signs are normal, if you suspect colic and these behaviors continue for more than four hours, call your veterinarian immediately. Usually, stage one will pass in several minutes to four hours, and often when your mare feels safe and unwatched.  Usually between the hours of 11.00 am to 4.00 am of course!! Stage Two: 15 Minutes-1 Hour Once your mare’s waters have broken, birthing won’t stop and time becomes even more critical. When her waters break, you will see a large amount of allantoic fluid released before she lies down. However, some mares will move or even roll during delivery. As birthing begins, you must watch carefully to ensure the foal is in the correct position. First, the amniotic sac will appear, encasing the first front hoof. Next, the second front hoof will appear, followed by the nose. Stage two is usually over within 20 minutes, but it may take up to one hour. If a red membrane appears at the start of foaling, instead of the white amniotic sac, you must call your veterinarian without delay. The placenta is being delivered with the foal and depriving the foal of oxygen. If unable to arrive in time, your veterinarian will talk you through the steps. Stage Three: 1-3 Hours The foal has arrived! Following delivery, your mare may rest for several minutes to regain her strength. During this final stage, she will expel the placenta. Once the placenta has passed, lay it flat to check it’s intact, with only one hole where the foal passed through.  Make sure both uterine horns are present and intact. If unsure, place the membranes in a bucket or garbage bag and get your vet to check for you. Often, mares will exhibit signs of colic as they continue to experience uterine contractions to pass the placenta. Again, monitor this behavior for several hours. If you reach three hours post-foaling and the placenta hasn’t passed, you must contact your veterinarian. A retained placenta can lead to uterine infections, predisposing your mare to endometritis, infertility, and laminitis. You mustn’t manually remove the placenta or cut the umbilical cord as these can lead to problems. Instead, alert your veterinarian. How Long Should Foaling Take: Final Words In conclusion, knowing how long foaling should take and what to expect during each stage can help you prepare for this exciting event and ensure the best outcome for your mare and foal. Foaling is a natural and quick process that requires careful observation and intervention if necessary. Always have your veterinarian’s contact details handy and call them if you have any concerns or questions. We hope this article has provided you with useful information on how long foaling should take and what to look for during this amazing event.

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Mare Foaling Signs: 8 Signs of Foaling When Your Mare is Ready for Birthing

What an exciting time! It’s often with great anticipation that horse owners await the arrival of a new foal. Following an 11-month pregnancy plus or minus a week, the final month brings about physiological and behavioral changes that indicate your mare is preparing for birth. 1. Distended Udder  As the unborn foal matures during the last month of pregnancy, a distended udder is often the first sign of the approaching birth. Typically, your mare’s udder will fill at night and shrink during the day. When the udder remains full, foaling may be days or only hours away. 2. Enlarged teats  In the final days before foaling, the teats of your mare’s udder begin to extend outward as her udder distends. Pressure from her growing milk supply pushes the teats away from the udder and, as foaling nears, the teats enlarge, ready for the arrival of her newborn foal. 3. Relaxed pelvis  Around three weeks prior to foaling, the muscles of the pelvic area begin to relax to enable the passage of the foal through the birth canal. In most mares, a hollow develops on either side of the base of the tail. However, this change may not be seen in all mares. If you palpate the muscles they feel very soft and have very little tone. 4. Waxing teats The appearance of wax-like beads on the end of each teat can occur weeks or within 12 hours before birth. While not all mares will exhibit waxing of the teats, these droplets are the immune-supportive colostrum every newborn foal requires within their first hours of life. 5. Milk flow  In addition to colostrum droplets, some mares will also begin to secrete milk soon before foaling. It’s imperative this is watched closely. Any mare steaming milk for several days may lose large amounts of colostrum — and the vital antibodies and laxative it contains for your newborn foal. 6. Relaxed vulva  During the final 24-48 hours, your mare’s vulva — the outer lips of the vagina — will noticeably swell and lengthen, readying itself for the birthing process where it will stretch to several times its normal size as the foal is delivered. 7. Behavioral changes As early as several weeks prior to foaling, your mare may show signs of irritability and restlessness. When the first stage of labor begins, mares usually seek out a quiet location where they can give birth undisturbed. Often, a mare in labor will walk continuously — only lying down to give birth. She may also swish her tail, look at her sides, and kick at her abdomen. If she eats, drinks, defecates, and urinates as normal, you don’t need to suspect colic. The first stage of labor has begun. 8. Sweating  Birthing is hard on your mare’s body. It’s not unusual to encounter sweating across the neck, flanks, and body both in the lead-up to and during delivery. Prior to foaling, your mare may feel warm and damp, and many mares will sweat as labor approaches. Mare Foaling Time To provide your mare with a safe and secure place to foal, without outside interference, place her in a paddock or stall free from hazards. In the final weeks ahead of foaling, you should continue to watch your mare closely to ensure mare and foal come out of delivery happy and healthy.

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My mare is pregnant. When should I worm her? [Worming Pregnant Mares]

My mare is pregnant. When should I worm her? [Worming Pregnant Mares]

As a horse owner, you are always concerned about the health and well-being of your horse. If your mare is pregnant, this can raise a few questions regarding her care. One of the most important questions that came to mind was when should I worm her. Worming a pregnant mare is a delicate matter that requires careful consideration. On one hand, you want to make sure that the mare is healthy and free of parasites, but on the other hand, you don’t want to do anything that could harm the developing foal. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. There are several factors to consider when deciding when to worm a pregnant mare, including the type of wormer to use, the timing of the worming, her previous worming history, and the mare’s overall health. By working closely with your vet, you can ensure that your mare receives the proper care and attention she needs throughout her pregnancy. The Importance of Deworming Pregnant Mares As a horse owner, I know how important it is to keep my animals healthy and happy. One critical aspect of equine health is deworming, and this is especially true for pregnant mares. Worms can cause serious health problems for both the mare and her unborn foal, so it’s crucial to take preventative measures. When it comes to deworming pregnant mares, timing is everything. It’s generally recommended to deworm mares at least twice during pregnancy, with the first treatment taking place in the first trimester and the second (depending on the product used) around day 180. This helps to ensure that the mare’s immune system is strong and that her foal is protected from any parasites. The best way to determine if your mare actually needs worming is by having a faecal egg count done on her manure. This examination determines how many, and what worms she has, and can allow strategic worming to target the correct parasites she may have. It’s essential to work with your veterinarian to determine the best deworming protocol for your mare. The type of wormer used and the frequency of treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including your mare’s age, health status, previous worming history, and the specific parasites present in your area, along with the drugs and their strength in the wormer being used. Keep in mind that deworming pregnant mares requires extra care and attention. Some types of wormers can be harmful to the developing foetus, so it’s crucial to choose a safe and effective product. Additionally, pregnant mares may experience more stress during deworming, which can have negative effects on their health and the health of their foal. Overall, deworming pregnant mares is an essential part of equine healthcare. By working closely with your veterinarian and following a proper deworming protocol, you can help ensure that your mare and her foal stay healthy and happy throughout pregnancy and beyond. When to Deworm a Pregnant Mare Deworming is crucial, as it helps to prevent any potential health issues that may arise from parasites. However, it is important to time the deworming correctly, as some dewormers can be harmful to the developing foetus. The most effective way to know when to deworm your mare is by having a faecal egg count done on her manure. This process estimates her worm burden and is the safest way to determine whether she needs worming and with which product. It is a fairly cheap procedure and can be cheaper than a wormer. Faecal egg counts are very important if you are unsure of the mare’s worming history if you have just acquired her also, as worming can sometimes cause colic or diarrhoea if the mare has a worm burden and is suddenly wormed. Depending on the faecal egg count results, the best time to deworm a pregnant mare is during the early stages of pregnancy, ideally before 90 days of gestation. During this time, the mare’s immune system is still developing, and she is less likely to pass on any parasites to the foetus. Deworming at this time also helps to prevent any potential health issues that may arise from parasites, such as colic or diarrhoea. It is important to choose the right dewormer for a pregnant mare. Some dewormers can be harmful to the developing foetus, so it is important to consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication. A veterinarian can recommend a safe and effective dewormer that will not harm the mare or her foetus. In addition to deworming, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices in the barn. This includes regularly cleaning stables, paddocks, and pastures to prevent the buildup of manure and other waste, which can attract and house parasites. By keeping the environment clean and free of parasites, you can help to reduce the risk of infection and keep your pregnant mare healthy. Types of Dewormers for Pregnant Mares Safe and Effective Dewormers I have found that pregnant mares require special attention when it comes to deworming. It is important to choose a dewormer that is safe and effective for both the mare and the developing foal. I recommend using dewormers that contain ivermectin or moxidectin, as these are considered safe for pregnant mares. It is also important to note that not all dewormers are safe for pregnant mares. Be mindful though, that some areas have a major resistance to ivermectin wormers and it is always best to consult with your Veterinarian. A resistance means the parasites have become immune to the drug and it does not kill them. Deworming Dosage When it comes to deworming pregnant mares, it is important to follow the recommended dosage. Under-dosing can lead to ineffective treatment while over-dosing can be harmful to the mare and foal. I recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for dosing or consulting with a veterinarian for specific recommendations based on the mare’s individual needs. Using a faecal egg count test can also help to determine when

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How soon can I ride my mare after foaling?

As a horse owner, I understand the eagerness to get back in the saddle after your mare has given birth. However, it’s important to remember that the postpartum period is a crucial time for both the mare and foal. The mare’s body needs time to recover, and the foal needs to establish a bond with its mother and build up its strength. While there is no set timeframe for when you can start riding your horse again after foaling, it’s generally recommended to wait at least six weeks. During this time, the mare’s reproductive tract will be healing, and her uterus will be returning to its pre-pregnancy size. Riding too soon can cause discomfort and pain for the mare, and may even increase the risk of complications such as uterine infections or prolapse. On the other hand, waiting too long to ride can also have negative effects. The mare may become restless and frustrated from lack of exercise, and the foal may become overly dependent on its mother. It’s important to find a balance between giving the mare enough time to recover and allowing her to gradually return to work. The Positives Physical Recovery of the Mare After foaling, it’s important to give the mare time to recover physically. Rest and proper nutrition are key to her physical recovery. During this time, you can focus on ground work and light exercise to keep her moving and prevent stiffness. This will help her to recover faster and be ready to ride sooner. Bonding with the Foal One of the most rewarding aspects of having a foal is the opportunity to bond with them. Spending time with the foal, watching them grow and develop, is a joyous experience. As the foal grows they become more independent and don’t rely on their mother as much, but it is often best to introduce a “buddy” if you are unable to take the foal with the mother when being ridden, or you want to work in an arena without the foal interfering. Foals will often try to fit through fences or over stables if their mother goes out of sight for security. Milk Production and Nutritional Benefits After foaling, the mare’s milk production increases significantly. This milk is rich in nutrients and provides the foal with everything they need to grow and develop. As the foal grows and starts to eat solid food, you can start to supplement their diet with hay and feed. This will help to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to grow into a strong and healthy horse. Overall, there are many positives to riding your horse after foaling. By giving the mare time to recover physically, bonding with the foal, and taking advantage of the nutritional benefits of the mare’s milk, you can ensure that your horse is healthy and ready to ride when the time is right. The Negatives Potential Health Risks to the Mare As a responsible horse owner, it is important to understand that riding a mare too soon after foaling can have negative consequences. The mare’s body goes through a lot during pregnancy and giving birth, and it needs time to recover. Here are some potential health risks to the mare: Risks to the Foal Riding too soon after foaling can also have negative consequences for the foal. Here are some potential risks: It is important to consult with a veterinarian before riding a mare after foaling. They can advise you on the best course of action based on your mare’s individual needs and health status. When to Start Riding Again Factors to Consider As a horse owner, it’s important to be aware of the factors that can affect when you should start riding again after foaling. Here are a few things to consider: Recommended Time Frame It’s generally recommended to wait at least six weeks after foaling before starting to ride again. This allows the mare to fully recover and the foal to establish a routine. However, it’s important to listen to your veterinarian and take into consideration the factors listed above before starting to ride again. When you do start riding again, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the rides. This will help prevent injury to the mare and ensure that she is able to continue to care for her foal.

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Stallion Health: Preventing the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Today, it’s easier than ever to introduce the highest quality stallion genetics into your breeding program, with live cover and artificial insemination. However, each have the potential to spread venereal – sexually transmitted – diseases.  In this article, we explain two of the more common STDs, including Klebsiella Pneumoniae and Equine Coital Exanthema.  Klebsiella pneumoniae Interestingly, Klebsiella bacteria can be spread by overzealous cleaning of the stallion’s genitalia. Using disinfectant, instead of water and mild soap, the normal, non-harmful flora that should be present are removed, allowing the Klebsiella bacteria to be passed on during live cover. This bacteria can also be transferred to the mare via artificial insemination and poses a significant problem if it ascends to the stallion’s internal organs, causing lifelong shedding. Most often, Klebsiella pneumoniae results in endometritis, which requires treatment with antibiotics. While the prognosis for mares is usually positive, the uterus requires daily treatments for three to five days, resulting in one or two missed cycles during breeding season. The condition is best managed with a gentle pre-breeding wash that doesn’t disrupt the stallion’s normal flora. Equine coital exanthema Also termed equine venereal balanitis in stallions, this disease is caused by equine herpes virus type 3 (EHV-3) and passed onto the mare during live cover. Although, transmission can also occur via contaminated supplies or instruments, such as gloves. A mare who has been exposed to equine coital exanthema will develop circular red nodules around the vaginal region within four to eight days. As the condition develops, these lesions will also be found on the stallion’s genitalia and may make him reluctant to breed during the ulcerative stage. While this condition can be treated successfully with antibiotic ointments and rest from breeding activity within three weeks, secondary bacterial infections, caused by Streptococcus spp are common. Ultimately, causing the ulcers to enlarge and leading to a mucopurulent discharge. Preventing infection To avoid passing sexually transmitted infections, it is advisable to have your stallion swabbed at the beginning of any breeding season. This allows your stallion to be at his peak for the breeding season and confirms he won’t contaminate mares with any infections. If you allow live cover with your stallion, insisting mares have a clean swab result before cover also limits the ability for your stallion to contract an STD from an infected mare. Even maiden mares can carry Klebsiella, so it is just an insurance policy for your stallion as infections can take weeks to months to clear, also affecting his fertility.

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Mare Health: What to do with a Twin Pregnancy?

My mare is pregnant with twins, what happens now? This is a question that many horse owners never expect to ask themselves. It was surprising to learn that twin pregnancies in horses are rare, occurring in only 1% of all equine pregnancies. While it may seem exciting to have two foals instead of one, twin pregnancies can be dangerous for both the mare and the foals. When a mare is pregnant with twins, the pregnancy is considered high-risk. The mare’s uterus is not designed to carry more than one foal to full term, and as a result, complications can arise. The most common complication is that one or both of the foals will not develop properly, which can lead to the death of the foals and even the mare. As a horse owner, it’s important to understand what happens when a mare is pregnant with twins and what steps can be taken to ensure the health and safety of the mare and the foals. So, what happens now that my mare is pregnant with twins? As a responsible horse owner, you need to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor the pregnancy and take appropriate measures to ensure the health of your mare and her foals. In most cases, one of the embryos will need to be terminated to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. It’s a difficult decision to make, but ultimately, the safety of the mare and her foals is the top priority. Understanding Twin Pregnancy in Mares Causes of Twin Pregnancy Twin pregnancy in mares is caused by the fertilization of two eggs released by the mare’s ovaries during ovulation. This can happen naturally or as a result of assisted reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination. Risks Associated with Twin Pregnancy Twin pregnancy in mares is associated with several risks. One of the main risks is that twin pregnancies have a high chance of ending in abortion, stillbirth, or the birth of weak, underdeveloped foals. This is because the mare’s uterus is not designed to carry two foals at once, and there is limited space and resources for both foals to develop properly. Other risks associated with twin pregnancy include dystocia (difficult birth), placental problems, and increased risk of infection. Diagnosing Twin Pregnancy Twin pregnancy in mares can be diagnosed by ultrasound as early as 14-16 days after ovulation. If twins are detected, it is important to reduce the pregnancy to a singleton as soon as possible to increase the chances of a successful outcome. This can be done by manually crushing one of the embryos or using a technique called transvaginal aspiration. It is important to monitor twin pregnancies closely throughout gestation to detect any potential problems early on and take appropriate action. The optimal time for reducing a twin is from 14-16 days before implantation occurs at day 17.  Once the embryos are implanted into the uterine wall the risk of losing both pregnancies increases with twin reduction after this time. Managing Twin Pregnancy in Mares Options for Managing Twin Pregnancy When a mare is confirmed to be carrying twins, there are a few options available for managing the pregnancy. One option is to leave both embryos to develop naturally, but this can be risky for both the mare and the foals. Another option is to manually reduce the number of embryos to one, which can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. This is best done and safest at 14-16 days from ovulation. It is always recommended to have your mare scanned (via rectal ultrasound) 14 days post cover to determine if twins are present. Ultrasound Monitoring Regular ultrasound monitoring is essential for managing twin pregnancies in mares. This allows the veterinarian to track the development of each embryo and detect any potential complications early on. Ultrasound can also be used to guide the process of manually reducing the number of embryos. The process is painless to your mare. Medical Management In some cases, medication may be used to help manage twin pregnancies in mares. This can include hormonal treatments to help prevent the mare from ovulating again, or drugs to help relax the uterus and prevent premature labor. Surgical Intervention If complications arise during a twin pregnancy, surgical intervention may be necessary to save the mare and/or the foals. This can include procedures such as fetotomy (removing a dead or non-viable fetus) or a caesarean section to deliver the foals. Overall, managing a twin pregnancy in a mare requires careful monitoring and the expertise of a veterinarian. By working closely with your veterinarian and following their recommendations, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your mare and her foals. Caring for a Mare with Twin Foals Birth and Delivery When a mare is pregnant with twins, the delivery process can be more complicated than a typical birth. It is important to have an experienced veterinarian present during the delivery to ensure the safety of the mare and foals. The veterinarian may need to assist with the birth or perform a caesarean section if necessary. After the birth, the mare and foals should be monitored closely for any signs of distress or complications. Postpartum Care After the delivery, the mare and foals should be separated from other horses to prevent injury or aggression. The mare may need additional support, such as pain medication or antibiotics, to aid in her recovery. The foals should be examined by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and receiving enough milk from the mare. It is important to keep the mare and foals in a clean and safe environment to prevent infection and injury. Feeding and Nutrition Feeding a mare with twin foals can be challenging, as she will need to produce enough milk to support both foals. The mare should be fed a high-quality diet that is rich in protein and nutrients. It may be necessary to supplement the mare’s diet with additional feed or hay to ensure she is getting enough nutrition.

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What vaccinations should my pregnant mare have?

Vaccinating your mare during pregnancy is critical to protecting the health of her developing foal. The most important vaccinations are 2-in-1 for tetanus and strangles, equine herpes virus and Hendra virus, depending on the area where you live.  2-in-1  Foals are born without any immunity to disease, which is why it’s imperative that your mare is vaccinated against tetanus and strangles four weeks prior to her expected due date. Most commonly, these vaccinations are given together in the 2-in-1 vaccine. Your newborn foal will receive the complete benefits of this protection by consuming a sufficient amount of colostrum within two hours of birth. Watch your mare and foal carefully after delivery to ensure your foal is able to nurse, without difficulty or hindrance by its dam.  Equine herpes virus  If equine herpes virus is a risk on your property, your mare should be vaccinated against strains EHV-1 and EHV-4. At its most severe, EHV-1 can cause abortions in pregnant mares, which is simply heart-wrenching for mare owners. Vaccinating against equine herpes virus should be discussed early on in your mare’s pregnancy, as she’ll need to be vaccinated three times during her pregnancy. Most veterinarians recommend vaccinating at five, seven and nine months of gestation.  Hendra virus  Finally, if your mare is located in regions where Hendra virus cases have occurred, particularly Queensland and New South Wales, or where bats are located. Hendra vaccination is strongly advised. Any Hendra virus vaccine must be administered by a veterinarian and recorded on the national database.

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What to Do When Your Newborn Foal Arrives

It’s an exciting time as your newborn foal arrives. However, the first days are critical for your foal’s health and development. In this article, we list the steps every proud new foal owner must take for a positive start at life.  Umbilical Cord You’ve patiently watched your mare deliver her foal. The birth has been textbook and your foal is now on the ground. The first step is to watch the umbilical cord break when your mare stands. If this doesn’t happen, you’ll need to intervene. The umbilical cord can only be broken when blood is no longer flowing. Once the pulsation stops, grasp the umbilical on both sides of the narrowed section near your foal’s abdomen and pull. The umbilical cord should separate easily. If not, call your veterinarian for help. Ensure you treat the stump with iodine to prevent infection. First Two Hours Your foal should be standing within one hour of birth. If your foal is having difficulty standing, you can occasionally pick them up, and cradle their chest and rump. If your foal cannot stand on its own within two hours, your veterinarian must step in. Likewise, if your foal hasn’t nursed within two hours of birth, you will need to act quickly to ensure they receive colostrum for passive immunity. Call your veterinarian urgently if your foal isn’t nursing or if your mare is refusing to let them drink. Urination should occur soon after the first drink. Your foal should also pass the meconium – their first faeces – which is usually firm, black to mustard in colour, and can be up to 50cm in length. If your foal is straining or there are no bowel movements within six hours, call your veterinarian. First Two Days Hopefully, following foaling, your mare and foal are happy and healthy. Both should be allowed to move freely within a paddock that’s safe from hazards. Carefully observe your foal over the coming days and weeks to ensure their health and behaviour are normal.  Make sure your foal can urinate and defecate normally.  Also pay attention to your mare for any abnormal vulval discharge.

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