Feed Question

[kimberleigh]

What does everyone recommend for feeding lactating mares?

My welsh sec a has a 2 week old filly foal (sired by a freisian so a big girl). The grazing is pretty dire at the moment with the horrific weather we've had and with the foal being so demanding I was wondering if anyone has any feeding suggestions

(she's currently on 2 meals a day of stud cubes and chaff and has access to haylage)

Thanks

Kim

 

[jools123]

good quality add lib hay, or try to find somewhere to turn her out for grass, its not easy when they spring it on you is it? how is she doing weight wise? i guess the foal is growing like a bean sprout and feeding lots.

 

[kimberleigh]

She's on 4.4 acres of grazing, but the quality isn't ideal
Moving her is unfortunately not an option as finding grazing around here is as rare as hens teeth - I waited 6 months on a packed waiting list to get my current place.
She isn't bad weight wise, can see 3/4 middle ribs slightly when she bends round to the side eg when she's having an itch, but shes actually better than I imagined she would be when I realised she was likely pregnant!!
Niabi her foal is growing at a rate of knots, pics of her in photo section but need new ones to show how much she's grown in 2 weeks!

Kim

 

[jools123]

TBH as long as she is not losing weight i would keep things as they are, if she is not losing weight she must be getting enough calories and if you are feeding the stud mix/cubes she will be getting the vits and minerals she needs.
4.4 acres is a lot of grazing even if its not top quality