Broodmare Diet Basics

The body condition of a broodmare can affect reproductive performance and milking ability. Recent research has indicated that mares should be kept in a minimum body condition score of 5.5 (see “Selected Body Condition Scores and Descriptions,” below or download this Body Condition Score poster here). This body condition is

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The body condition of a broodmare can affect reproductive performance and milking ability. Recent research has indicated that mares should be kept in a minimum body condition score of 5.5 (see “Selected Body Condition Scores and Descriptions,” below or download this Body Condition Score poster here). This body condition is referred to as moderately fleshy, and mares in this condition can be expected to cycle earlier in the year, have fewer cycles per conception, have a higher pregnancy rate, and maintain pregnancy more easily than thin mares. Additionally, research supports that mares maintained in body condition of less than 5 do not have sufficient stored body fat to promote efficient reproductive performance. Reproductive performance can be improved by feeding thin mares to gain weight; however, care must be taken to avoid digestive disturbances. There is no reproductive advantage to having a broodmare in obese body condition (8 or 9). Therefore, broodmares maintained in a body condition of 5.5 to 7.5 appear to be in the ideal body condition for gestation, lactation, and rebreeding. The nutritional status of the mare must be constantly monitored and changes in the feeding program (concentrate and hay) must be considered.

Roughage

Good-quality roughage is a major source of nutrients for mares and can be obtained from grazing or hay. Mares which are being fed hay should receive at least 1% of their body weight per day in order to provide adequate long-stem roughage. In addition, this amount of forage has been important in minimizing behavioral problems such as cribbing, and in promoting optimal digestive function.

The type of forage that a mare consumes while grazing or eating hay is very critical. There are many types of forages that can be hazardous to gestating mares. Certain types of hybrid sorghum/sudan grasses have been reported to cause cystitis syndrome or prussic acid poisoning, which can cause death due to respiratory paralysis. Alfalfa hay can have blister beetles that contain the compound cantharidin, which is extremely toxic to horses. Blister beetles cause inflammation and blistering of the skin within hours of contact. If ingested, the cantharidin is absorbed and rapidly excreted in the urine, causing inflammation of the digestive and urinary tracts. Horses seem to be particularly susceptible to blister beetles and can suffer severe poisoning from even a few beetles, alive or dead, lurking in a bale of hay. Decreased feed intake, frequent drinking and urination, colic, and depression are signs of blister beetle poisoning. At its worst, blister beetle poisoning can cause horses to suffer severe pain, shock, and death within a few hours. Alfalfa hay from early cuttings is less likely to contain beetles than hay put up later in the year

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Written by:

Brett Scott, PhD, Dipl. ACAN, is a professor and extension horse specialist in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University.

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