A8. Nutrient and Energy Requirements of Mare (Pregnancy + Lactation)

Question 1

Length of pregnancy and lactation

BCS?

Answer 1

Pregnancy: ca 11 months (330-350 d. preg)
Lactation: ca 5 months /6

Begin solids at 3 months ish

Question 2

BW and BCS

Answer 2

Gestational weight gain is expected to be 12– 16% of a mare’s initial body weight
BCS; should not be over 6!

Question 3

Energy requirement in the different phases of pregnancy and lactation

Answer 3

Early pregnancy <7month (fetus grows slowly, only maintenance needed (575kg – 80MJ)

Advanced stage >8month (Faster fetus growth) last to months need supplies!

Question 4

During pregnancy
DM
Protein

DM
Protein

Answer 4

0-4 months
80
0,63-0,76

11th month
100
0,89-1,07

Question 5

During Lactation

DM
Protein

Answer 5

Nutrient requirements of lactating mares 500-600kg: imp, high as racing horse
1st month 5th month
MJ/day 142 125
kg/day 1,7 1,4

We require BW and milk yield;

• DEm + DEl
• DEi = 33,3 MJ DE /kg milk

Question 6

forage to concentrate ratio

Answer 6

Time grass/grass legume Conc (Kg) F/C ratio

• 0- 4 months  10-12kg 100/0
• 5-7 months  9-11 kg 100/0
• 8-9 months  8-9 kg 1-2 90/10
• 10-11 months  8-10 kg 2-3 80/20

Question 7

Peak lactation

Answer 7

12/18kg day, peak at 2nd month of lactation

Question 8

Composition of milk; mean

Answer 8

DM  10.4
CP  2.2
Fat  1.6
Lactose  6.4