A9. Nutrient and Energy Requirements of Suckling and Growing Foals, Feeding and Nutrition.

Question 1

BW at birth and weaning

essential hours

Answer 1

Foal weight –> 10 % of gestation weight

Length of weaning = 5-6 months of age, 40-50% of adult BW

First 4 hours

Question 2

Frequency of suckling

Daily milk consumption

Answer 2

‘normal’ foals will consume 20-25% of their body weight daily in milk for the first five weeks and 17-20% thereafter (10-12l/50kg)

Question 3

Onset of the solid feed consumption

Answer 3

begins early, 3-5months

fermentation starts after 3 months

Question 4

Daily DM intake of foals

Answer 4

Forage conc tot
0 1.0 -2.0 2.5-3.5
0.5-1,0 1,5-3,0 2.0-3.5

Weaning foal: 14% protein – 16%