Feeding Management of Breeding Stock

Question 1

stallions were previously fed like what?

Answer 1

maintenance horses

Question 2

the new NRC says that stallions have increased DE requirements when?

Answer 2

difference between breeding and nonbreeding

Question 3

what is the target BCS for stallions?

Answer 3

5-6

Question 4

if a stallion is under-conditioned what can occur?

Answer 4

infertility and poor libido

Question 5

if a stallion is over-conditioned what can occur?

Answer 5

laminitis/metabolic disorders
infertility, progressive motility of sperm, DNA fragmentation

Question 6

selenium can be useful how for stallion fertility?

Answer 6

antioxidant, testosterone production and semen quality (give 3 mg/d)

Question 7

how are omega 3s useful for stallion fertility?

Answer 7

sperm motility, resistance to cold shock and fertilization capacity

Question 8

what trace minerals are important for stallion fertility and what do they do?

Answer 8

Zn- spermatogenesis, testosterone production and secretion and sperm motility
Cu-libidio and semen quality

Question 9

What are the major concerns of the mare ?

Answer 9

Energy and protein

Question 10

What are the 3 energy requirements of the mare?

Answer 10

First 8 months gestation
Last 3 months gestation
Lactation

Question 11

What is critical for mareS?

Answer 11

BCS

Question 12

What BCS do we want mares at? and what are the benefits?

Answer 12

6- cycle earlier, fewer cycles per conception, higher pregnancy rate, maintain pregnancy easier

Question 13

Is there a benefit of having a mare at a BCS of 7 or higher for repro?

Answer 13

No, more costly to feed

Question 14

How does overnutrition in late gestation mares influence the fetus?

Answer 14

Increases baseline insulin, foals have larger spleen and testes (which are delayed in maturation)

Question 15

Give the breakdown of broodmares

Answer 15

Open vs. maiden
Pregnant vs. gestating (1st-3rd trimester)
Lactating (early vs. late)

Question 16

Open or maiden mares are fed how?

Answer 16

To maintenance requirements

Question 17

Open or maiden mares can get their nutrition primarily how?

Answer 17

Quality forages and/or concentrates added

Question 18

How should open or maiden mares enter the breeding season BCS wise?

Answer 18

5-7

Question 19

Why does a Mare/s DMI decrease during late gestation?

Answer 19

They are out of gut room

Question 20

How do pregnant mares need to be fed?

Answer 20

To maintenance requirements
Gradually increase concentrates to avoid colic
Balance protein and minerals carefully

Question 21

At what month of the lactation cycle do mares have the highest energy and CP requirements?

Answer 21

1 month

Question 22

The NCR shows requirements beginning to increase when with pregnant mares?

Answer 22

5 months assuming the mare enters at BCS 6

Question 23

Early lactation requires increases in what?

Answer 23

Energy, CP, and Ca

Question 24

What things can influence milk production?

Answer 24

Diet and BCS
Obesity=decreased

Question 25

Why might lactating mares need more?

Answer 25

Activity chasing foals and uterine involution

Question 26

What 2 minerals increase the most with broodmares?

Answer 26

Calcium and phosphorus

Question 27

What is the best way to feed broodmares?

Answer 27

Individually, but not always practical
Separate mare pastures based on stage of pregnancy/lactation