Hi Nancy,

Lactating mares, in general, have very high caloric needs -- much higher than when they were pregnant -- to compensate for the energy it takes for milk production. I would suggest that she feed her mare a 50:50 mix of grass:alfalfa hay. She needs to have access to hay 24/7. This will provide the additional protein and calcium that she needs. She also should provide a good prebiotic to allow for the most efficient fermentation of this forage in the hind gut. Ration Plus is highly recommended in this case.

The foal is growing very rapidly, too rapidly, as you know. And, unfortunately, an early weaning may be necessary. Every effort should be made to do this slowly and with the least amount of stress to the mare and foal as possible.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Dr. Getty:

Thanks for your recommendations. The mare is getting some alfalfa everyday and free-choice grass hay. Don't know about the probiotic, but I'll ask my friend and tell her you recommended it.

The vets are thinking the foal has ulcers now (treating with a couple of things), and they think he might be lactose-intolerant. He may have to be taken off his mom for 1-2 days to see if it's lactose-intolerance. Poor mom and baby!

Thanks,
Nancy

Where are you from? Tennessee

How did you locate this forum? google search

Hi Nancy,

Sounds like a difficult situation, indeed.

Ration Plus, just FYI, is not a probiotic in the traditional sense of the word because it does not contain live microbes. Instead, it is a "prebiotic" because it helps the existing bacterial flora in the hind gut multiply. This makes digestion more efficient.

If this foal is lactose intolerant (which is really quite rare), have your friend talk to her vet about administering lactase to the foal prior to nursing to aid in digestion.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO