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Yearlings

By the time the weanling is approaching 1 year of age you can begin to reduce the grain ration down to a 14% grain ration. This is why feeding a good growing ration such as Photogenic or Phase 2 works well because you can gradually cut out the higher protein foal ration and just feed the growing ration. In some cases where the forage is low in protein you may want to stick with a 16% ration for the yearling, however 14% is usually adequate. The essential element to feeding yearlings is to feed a ration with adequate levels of minerals and vitamins and not to overfeed . Metabolic bone problems are much more common in yearlings fed for rapid growth than those growing more moderately.

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Broodmares

Early Pregnancy Mares

Mares in early pregnancy normally do not require any special attention other than to maintain body condition and a balanced ration sufficient to maintain good health including trace minerals and lots of roughage. A mineral/vitamin supplement or at least a trace mineral block should be provided. In the case of lower quality forage or pasture a good 12-14% grain ration should be fed to maintain body condition.

Late Pregnancy Mares

During the last 3 months of pregnancy the needs of the mare increase dramatically. This is particularly true for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus as well as trace minerals. Energy and protein requirements are also greater as foaling day nears. The mare should be fed a 14-16% grain ration adequate to maintain bodyweight and supply necessary minerals and vitamins. This is normally 6-12 pounds per day although bigger mares and Thoroughbreds may require more grain.

Lactating Mares

Energy requirements of the lactating mare are as high as any other type of horse. A high energy 14-16% grain mix with good levels of minerals and vitamins should be fed in an amount adequate to maintain bodyweight. This could be from 1-1.5% of bodyweight.

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