Balanced nutrition and its importance for post weaning foals

Impacts of the weaning process

The expert notes that weaning  is  a  process that generates stress, due to changes in animal management  and nutrition. Considering that during this period, foals transition towards a diet composed by balanced feed and pasture. However, during this time their gastrointestinal tract is still underdeveloped, and is not capable of assimilating the new dietary components in the most efficient manner. Therefore, some of the nutrients contained within these ingredients are not absorbed.

She adds that  in the first year of life, horses reach 85 percent of their final height, and in one to two years, they will grow an extra 15 percent.  “If a foal does not obtain an adequate and balanced  nutrition during this time, it may not fully develop and will grow below its genetic potential. Making it more prone to  developmental orthopedic diseases.” warns Claudia.

Another important point that she highlights, is that foals need to consume a complete set of nutrients.  “The most important points to take into account are: assuring high levels of protein which are essential for their growth, adequate energy densities that allow the animals to gain weight and have great hair quality amongst other important physiological features,” Claudia says. 

“If they receive feed with high energy levels and low protein, they will look beautiful, but they may not develop properly. Due to the fact that the levels of protein and the quality of the amino acids derived from those proteins, as well as the macro and micro minerals supplied within the diet, are essential for the foal’s development,” adds the veterinarian.

Timing for development

According to the Veterinarian, it is  important for the owner to  understand that the first year of life is crucial for the foal’s development. “That means, you  can’t waste those valuable first months within the foal’s life. As these cannot be recovered afterwards.” says Cláudia.

In this sense, she adds that feeding during weaning should start with smaller rations and these must increase gradually, according to the animal’s growth.”Ideally, they should receive foal diets up until 2 years old. Some specific breeds, including the Lusitano Thoroughbred and other jumping horses like the Brazilian Equestrian, which are larger and  taller, should receive this type of feed up until they are 3 years old.” she says.

The consulted expert, considers it is important to supplement the ration with mineral salts. “The use of probiotics and prebiotics is recommended during their post weaning phase, in order to maintain a balanced intestinal microbiota.” concludes Claudia.

You may also like to read: “Calf nutrition: weaning practices – Part I.”

Source: Animal Business Brasil