Caring for Mares & Foals

Lesson 2: Caring for the Broodmare

Assignment (Optional)

If you have purchased the book the Complete Book of Foaling turn to page 34 and determine from the charts the amount of nutrient contents from your hay and grain type. You should also be able to determine the nutrient content of your grain from the feedbag tag, or by speaking to the mill operator who manufactures the feed. Then write down everything you feed your mare and the quantity. You need to measure in pounds because various feeds weigh differently by volume. (See example page 41.) Then calculate percentage of each nutrient in your horse’s diet. For example: your horse receives 8 pounds of 14% sweet feed (8x .14=1.12 pound protein) and 8 lb grass hay (8 x 0.10 = .8 lb protein, and so forth. Then add total protein together. Do the same for each calcium, phosphorous, and carbohydrates. See pages 42 and 43. Then compare what she should be receiving. Use 1 to 2 % of her body weight. Does her diet meet her nutritional needs? If not, what do you need to change to improve it?

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