The Mare
Raising foals can take a lot out of a mare. Her body is designed to provide the baby at her side with all the nourishment and caloric energy he or she needs to grow. For the mares that are rebred on foal heat or while they are still nursing the foal at their side, the new fetus further depletes her body of the nutrients and energy it needs. While the early stages of the new pregnancy do not require a substantial calorie increase, lactating to feed the foal at her side doubles her calorie and nutrition demands. The broodmare always comes in last when it comes to nourishment for herself. This is precisely why it is so incredibly important to support the mare with proper nutrition, before, during and after breeding, pregnancy, lactating and beyond.
Even when the best nutrition programs are provided for the mare, her body condition can take a hit. Providing supplemental feedings and/or creep feed for the foal (depending on age) can help to provide adequate nutrition for the foal but rarely takes the burden off the mare. As long as the foal has access the mare, he/she will continue to nurse. If mama is struggling to maintain her own weight and health while nursing a foal, it may be an indication that an early weaning is necessary.
The Foal
There are a variety of extenuating circumstances that can lend to early or late weaning. Mare's milk tends to peak around 2 months of age. Incorporating creep feeding at about a month old is helpful but should definitely be well implemented by 2 months. Creep feeding helps to ensure the foal continues to get all the nutrients and calories he or she needs for proper development and growth. Closely monitoring the foal's development to compensate calories appropriately is essential for proper development; too few calories or too little nutrition can hinder growth and too much can cause developmental issues.
Why Wean Foals Late
What circumstances involving the foal might require putting weaning off later than the average 5 months of age?
- If a foal is failing to thrive despite best efforts to maximize his or her nutrition and the mama is maintaining her body condition well
- The foal has undergone an injury or illness and is not fully recovered
In both situations, weaning may exacerbate the stress level for the foal causing further setback, decline in health or recovery. Other reasons to push weaning to a later date...
- Climate extremes
- Anything that might upset the foal's normal routine such as...
- moving to a new facility or field
- adding new pasture mates
Why Wean Foals Early
The most common reason for weaning a foal early is that the foal is growing too quickly. When consuming too many calories, the accelerated growth rate can cause any number of developmental conditions. If changes in creep feeding do not normalize the rate of growth, then early weaning to enforce a stricter nutrition program may be necessary.
Further Tips for a Successful Weaning
- Plan to wean at least two weeks before or after vaccinations to avoid added stress on the foal's system; coordinate vaccination and weaning schedules with a veterinarian to ensure all bases are covered
- Familiarity and companionship are key to helping reduce stress levels during weaning
- Prior to weaning, it is helpful to have multiple mares and foals cohabiting in same pasture so that camaraderie and bonds can develop before the stress of weaning
- Provide a dry, baby-sitter, mare or gelding to be turned out with the foals at weaning time. Having an adult with the babies can help to provide comfort and stability to a newly weaned group of foals, in addition to, being a solid voice of reason with a group of inexperienced babies. In the absence of a calm, grounded, adult horse with the patience and kindness to deal with a group of foals, many farms use donkeys. Not every horse or donkey is suited for the babysitter role; so choose from tried-and-true stock or ask around other trusted sources for suggestions to avoid injury
- Avoid weaning during inclement weather or extreme temperatures. Ideally, weaning is done in the fall after the intense heat subsides but before the temperatures plummet
- When foals are already comfortable with human interaction and handling prior to weaning it can help to ease stress, avoid further stress and provide some comfort and safety in our presence
- Working closely with a Veterinarian and an Equine Nutrition Consultant prior to and through the weaning stage can be helpful to ensure the right amount of nutrition and calories are being met, yet without overindulgence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average age to wean a foal? The average age for weaning is 5 months old, generally between 4 and 6 months, though the right timing depends on how the foal develops and the mare's ability to sustain herself along with the foal.
Why would you wean a foal earlier than average? The most common reason for weaning a foal early is that the foal is growing too quickly. If changes in creep feeding do not normalize the rate of growth, early weaning to enforce a stricter nutrition program may be necessary.
Why would you wean a foal later than average? Reasons to push weaning to a later date include a foal failing to thrive, recovery from an injury or illness, climate extremes, or anything that might upset the foal's normal routine, such as moving to a new facility or field or adding new pasture mates.
How do you know if a mare needs her foal weaned early? If mama is struggling to maintain her own weight and health while nursing a foal, it may be an indication that an early weaning is necessary.
Should I vaccinate my foal before or after weaning? Plan to wean at least two weeks before or after vaccinations to avoid added stress on the foal's system, and coordinate vaccination and weaning schedules with a veterinarian to ensure all bases are covered.
