A lactating mare’s mineral requirements will be partially met by the pasture, hay and grains in her diet. However, because forages are typically low in minerals it is unlikely a mare’s full mineral requirements will be met, so some supplementation will almost certainly be necessary. Vitamins and minerals can be supplemented using a concentrated balancer pellet or a complete feed, depending on your preference for style of feeding and how much feed your mares need to maintain body condition. If you have mares that are easy keepers, using a pasture balancer pellet will allow you to provide the vitamins and minerals she needs without providing additional calories that could make her gain unneeded weight. On the other hand, if your mares are typically hard keepers, it would be easiest to use a complete feed that provides the mare with additional calories and high quality protein as well as providing the vitamins and minerals she needs.
Salt and water
Lactating mares should always have access to salt and very clean fresh water. Lack of salt and clean water can reduce milk production and slow foal growth.
Which is the best feed for your mare?
When choosing the right feed and developing a feeding program for your lactating mares you need to consider the following: 1. Do you have pasture available? 2. What sort of pasture do you have and what is its quality like? 3. Will your mare maintain bodyweight on pasture alone, or do you need to feed additional feed for her to maintain bodyweight? 4. What hay do you have available and what is its quality like? 5. Are your mares typically easy or hard keepers? 6. Do your mares need to gain, maintain or lose weight? 7. What stage of lactation are they in? 8. Do you prefer to feed a complete feed or mix your own feeds using grains and supplements? The answers to these questions will determine whether a complete feed or a balancer pellet is best for your mares and will also help you determine what amount of feed your mares need. If your mares are typically hard keepers or if you have very little or only poor quality pasture available a complete feed will most likely give you the best results. If you have good quality pasture and/or your mares are typically easy keepers in good condition you may find a balancer pellet is all that is required. Pryde’s EasiFeed have an extensive range of feeds specially formulated for breeding mares. The Pryde’s EasiFeed BioMare Cubes provide you with a complete feeding solution for your lactating mares. Pryde’s BioMare Cubes require no mixing, can be fed alone, are well accepted by mares as well as their foals and contain all your mares need to produce strong, healthy foals, year after year. If you would prefer to mix your own feeds Pryde’s EasiFeed 150, 200 and 250 Balancer Pellets allow you to tailor your feeding program according to current pasture conditions.
To discuss your needs and have a feeding program developed from your breeding mares, contact Pryde’s EasiFeed on 1300 732 267, go to the website www.prydes.com.au or request a free diet analysis by clicking: http://prydes.com.au/index.php?option=com_jforms&view=form&id=2&Itemid=60.
Breeding Special
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