Managing the Mare Before Foaling
The weeks leading up to foaling are some of the most important in a mare's pregnancy. Small management decisions made during this time can have a significant impact on foal viability, mare health, and the ease of delivery. A solid preparation plan helps set both mare and foal up for success.
Nutrition
Provide an increasing plane of nutrition as pregnancy progresses. The final three months account for approximately 40-65% of the foal's growth, making this a critical time to meet higher energy and protein needs. Begin adding a grain concentrate containing 12-14% crude protein during the last trimester. Grain intake should equal 0.5-1% of body weight, while hay intake should remain around 1-2% of body weight.
Monitor mares closely for signs of colic, as there is less abdominal room for bulky feeds late in gestation. Ensure mares have constant access to clean, fresh water.
Vaccinations
At around four to five weeks prior to foaling (approximately 10 months of gestation), vaccinate the mare with her annual vaccines. This includes:
Prior to Foaling
Four to five weeks before foaling, deworm the mare with a product labeled safe for pregnant mares to help reduce parasite load in the environment. Move the mare to a safe, clean foaling area, preferably still on pasture when possible, which can help prevent stocking up, colic, and ventral edema. Group mares by stage of pregnancy to allow for appropriate management.
Around two to three weeks prior to foaling, the udder should begin to fill, although this may be less noticeable in maiden mares. You should be able to express a small amount of mammary secretion, which is typically thin and clear. Also, beginning to acclimate maiden mares to gentle udder handling is helpful. If an older mare has a Caslick's procedure, it should be opened during this period. Activity levels often begin to decrease.
During the final week before foaling, the teats will continue to enlarge, the vulva will lengthen, and the muscles around the tailhead will relax. The abdomen may drop, and ventral edema may develop. Mammary secretions typically become cloudy, yellow, thicker, and sticky.
Within the final 24 to 48 hours, teats often begin "waxing", producing thick, yellow secretions, and some mares may drip milk. The mare may appear restless and will often separate herself from the group. Prepare a foaling kit ahead of time so supplies are ready when the mare begins foaling.
Predicting Foaling
Using gestational age alone to predict foaling can be unreliable in mares. Clinical signs can also be variable, though they may be consistent year to year within the same mare. For this reason, it is important to closely observe each mare and consider keeping a log of her individual foaling indicators over time.
Foaling prediction kits measure electrolytes in mammary secretions. Calcium and potassium rise as foaling approaches, magnesium may also increase, and sodium levels decrease. As colostrum develops near term, mammary secretions become more concentrated and the pH drops below 6.5.
Other products that can help predict foaling include:
Monitoring Devices
Most foalings occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. A mare will foal when the fetus is mature enough to survive, a process known as fetal maturity. If a mare feels the environment is unsafe, she may delay foaling for a short period of time.
When foaling is approaching, consider the safety and environment your mare is in. Should she foal in a stall or out on pasture? If foaling in a stall, it should be at least 12x12 feet, with 12x24 feet preferred. Bedding should be straw to minimize dust.
Also consider whether you should observe the birth. For maiden mares or mares with a history of dystocia, close monitoring may be beneficial. Otherwise, performing multiple checks throughout the night is often sufficient.
Successful foaling rarely happens by chance. It is the result of good management, careful monitoring, and timely intervention when needed. Staying proactive throughout late gestation gives mares and foals the best possible start.
