Next year, next gen.
At the start of the new year, most pregnant mares begin the third trimester of pregnancy.
High time to provide the pregnant mare and the expected foal with the nutrients they need.
From the last trimester of pregnancy, it is useful to provide the mare with adapted nutrition because her needs now change.
First and foremost, there is an increased need for protein, which is important for the development of the foetus.
Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese are important during pregnancy.
Copper deserves extra attention because there is very little copper in milk, so it is important that enough of it is passed through the placenta.
Copper affects cartilage formation and is associated with the presence of cartilage fragments ( OC/OCD).
For a high pregnant mare, Vitamins A and E are further critical, these are excreted through colostrum.
These vitamins contribute to the foal’s resistance and protect against muscle disorders.
Additional Vitamin E and Selenium can also increase the amount of antibodies in colostrum.
Due to the rapid growth of the foal in the last trimester, the mare also now has increased energy needs.
This extra energy preferably comes from a ration rich in fat.
With starch we have to be careful here.
This is to prevent digestive problems in the colon.
In addition, recent studies show that too much starch in the last months of pregnancy can have negative consequences for bone quality.
Finally, providing the pregnant mare with the widest possible variety of fiber is also a must for optimal function of the intestinal flora(microbiome).
This intestinal flora is not only important to keep the mare healthy and fit, but also has an effect on the still unborn foal.
Indeed, during gestation there is already transfer of genetic material of bacteria present in the intestine of the mother to the intestine of the foetus.
The mother’s genetic material.
Pretty important because these genes are involved in immune system development, among other things.
It was also recently shown that the microbiome at a young age affects vitality later in life.
So a future champion develops better if he is well fed before he is born.
Our feeding tip?
Florian Next Gen and Florian Basic Growth are the perfect support for mare and foal.
Author: Dr. Hilde Vrancken
Vet
