Nutrient and Energy requirements of mare (pregnancy and lactation), Feeding and Nutrition

Question 1

Breeding mare (i.e is pregnant) 4 points to mention

Answer 1

1. Natural breeding season is from Feb to Nov (autumn)
2. Flushing
3. Gestation period: 330-360 days
4. Optimum BCS is 6 (internet says 6.5-8) this should be maintained all year round, underfeeding is harmful

Question 2

What is flushing?

Answer 2

Giving 10-20% more DE

Vit A and E

Beta carotene

Improves implant and fert

Question 3

Feeding the pregnant mare- what are the 2 main nutrients to discuss

Answer 3

DE (MJ/kg)

CP g/day

Question 4

Feeding of the pregnat mare: DE

Answer 4

• For the first 8 mnths the fetus grows very slowly so only maint is required (70MJ/day)
• Mnth 9: +10% so 77MJ/day
• Mnth 10: +15% so 88.5 MJ/day
• Mnth 11: +20% so 106.3 MJ/day

Question 5

Feeding of the pregnat mare: CP

Answer 5

10.5 x DE

Begins at around 750g a day….. becomes 970g a day by mnth 11

Question 6

Feed intake of pregnant mare

Answer 6

For the first 8 mnths:

• Good quality hay and pasture
• 1.5-2kg of forage and 0.5kg of conc

For the last 3 mnths: decr the forage and incr the conc

• 0.5-1kg of forage and 1-1.5kg of conc

Question 7

Lactating mare

Answer 7

Lasts 5-6 mnths- because then the foal is more interested in food

Question 8

Milk production (4)

Answer 8

• 12-18kg a day
• Peaks at the second month of lactation
• Requires less E than cow
• Adjustment of feed:
  
  • Early lactation: 2-3kg incr
  • Late lactation: 2-2.5kg incr

Question 9

Composition of milk

Answer 9

DM% 10.4

CP%: 2.2

Fat %: 1.6

Lactose%: 6.4

Question 10

Nutritional requirements of the lactating mare (2)

Answer 10

E

Protein (DCP)

Question 11

Nutritional requirements of the lactating mare: E

Answer 11

DEm and DEl- we require BW and milk yield

DEl: 3.3 MJ DE/ kg of milk

Question 12

Nutritional requirements of the lactating mare: protein

Answer 12

• First 3 mnths: 12 x DE
  
  • Feed 1-2kg of forage and 1-2kg of conc (the ratio is 50:50)
  • This is 1700g or 1.7kg of protein per day during mnth 2
• Last 3 mnths: 11 x DE
  
  • Feed 1-2kg of forages and 0.5-1.5kg of conc

** remember they lactate for 6 mnths or 28 wks