methods of increasing milk production

[trumdella]

Hi,

I was just wondering what ideas / theories / even old wives tales there are about increasing milk production in mares.

I know of domperidone and of course ensuring the mare has access to good feed etc..

All thoughts and stories welcomed!!

 

[S_N]

I was just about to say domperidone. Feeding cocoa powder is supposed to be effective too, though I've never done it myself.

 

[cliodhna]

I've heard alfalfa is supposed to be good for this..

 

[librauk]

I was just about to say domperidone. Feeding cocoa powder is supposed to be effective too, though I've never done it myself.

yep, go for the cocoa powder, does work

 

[Tharg]

I've heard the cocoa one too.

 

[trumdella]

how much cocoa powder do you have to give in order for it to be effective?

 

[Alec Swan]

I've never used cocoa powder, but enough have, so it obviously works. What also works, is milk powder. The cheapest way to buy it would be from your local agricultural feed merchant.

When it's supplied for lambs, one of the proprietary brands is called Lamlac. Calves milk powder would work just as well. If you were to mix it into the mares feed, and if your foal is already sharing its mothers feed, then this will also help with the foal's milk supply. The fact that the foal's getting milk, but in a powdered form, shouldn't make a scrap of difference.

Mares take it readily, and seem to enjoy it. I suspect that the foals intake, when it comes in powdered form is just as useful as passing it through the mare first!

Amounts? I started with two heaped table spoons per feed, then increased it to about 2/3rds of a coffee cup, again per feed. Dried milk powder is incredibly rich, so if you find that the foal becomes loose, then cut back a bit.

I hope this works for you.

Alec.

ETS, If you decide to use milk powder, and you need any help sourcing it, then send me a PM. a

 

[BallyshanHorses]

A lot of mares can have a small udder but have plenty available milk for the foal.I would not jump into this decision feet first before you have monitored the foals weight gain which in a foal destined to make 16 hands plus should be putting on 1kg/day for the first 4-6 months and consult your vet!!