Implications Of Long Term Nursing?

Orca

Orca

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When a foal has stayed with a mare for longer than usual (12-18 months) and the mare has willingly continued to feed the foal throughout (filly feeding regularly, no slow down in milk production), what health implications might there be for the mare, if any?

The mare appears to be in great condition, it has probably been her only foal and the filly has now been removed but I know that feeding a youngster can take its toll!

Is the mare likely to be deficient in anything that I could help replenish for her? Her milk is starting to dry up now the filly has been removed (and I'll keep an eye out for any signs of mastitis once she arrives with me) but is there anything which she should have to help this process?
 
I would wait until the milk has completely gone back before feeding the mare anything just in case it sets off milk production again.

Once the milk has completely gone I'd be giving the mare a good balancer just for her vits and minerals. If she is generally looking well then the youngster hasn't dragged her down too much.
 
madlady said:
I would wait until the milk has completely gone back before feeding the mare anything just in case it sets off milk production again.

Once the milk has completely gone I'd be giving the mare a good balancer just for her vits and minerals. If she is generally looking well then the youngster hasn't dragged her down too much.
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Thank you. I hadn't thought of the possibility of setting off production again!
 
madlady said:
I would wait until the milk has completely gone back before feeding the mare anything just in case it sets off milk production again.

Once the milk has completely gone I'd be giving the mare a good balancer just for her vits and minerals. If she is generally looking well then the youngster hasn't dragged her down too much.
Click to expand...

I agree, let the mare dry off and be very careful about feeding anything other than hay and rough grazing, turnout 24/7 if possible for a few weeks and don't worry if she does drop off a bit it will be safer than dealing with mastitis.
 
be positive said:
I agree, let the mare dry off and be very careful about feeding anything other than hay and rough grazing, turnout 24/7 if possible for a few weeks and don't worry if she does drop off a bit it will be safer than dealing with mastitis.
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Thank you. She could do with dropping off a bit over winter so that will work in our favour. 24/7 turnout won't be possible but I could exercise her morning and evening if it might help.
 
I bought a mare last year and she was in the same field as her 2yo. They said she wasn't feeding the filly but I got her home and the next day her bag was up like a milk cow. Kept her on tight grazing and kept an eye on her and the milk dried up in a couple of weeks. The first couple of days it was squirting out as she walked and her legs pressed on the udders. She was fine after that.
 
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