Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Rhea,
Thank you for writing about your foal and I hope he is healing nicely.
Yes, is it very common and normal for foals to eat their mother's manure. It contains an easy source of fiber and B vitamins and provides important microbes to their gut to start their own population of bacterial flora in the digestive system (hind gut). Your foal will eventually grow out of it. Just provide good quality hay that is not stemmy, plenty of turnout (the more the better) on pasture, and he'll be fine.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO