5 Tips for Weaning a Foal

03-09-2024
For a foal, weaning is a significant change in its early life. Proper preparation for this moment is crucial. We would like to share some tips to help you manage this transition as smoothly as possible:

• Tip 1: Do NOT Start Weaning Too Early

At birth, a foal's digestive system is not yet fully developed, particularly the microbiome (the collection of micro-organisms) in the large intestine. In the first weeks, this microbiome is primarily supported by the dam's milk. After a few weeks, many foals begin to consume small amounts of solid food. After two to three months, this intake increases, and the microbiome undergoes significant changes. Around this age, a foal becomes less dependent on its mother's milk. By about five to six months, a foal can obtain sufficient nutrients from solid food, making it an appropriate time for weaning.

• Tip 2: Provide Sufficient Roughage

Ensure that a foal has constant access to high-quality roughage. The composition of the diet directly impacts the development of the digestive system. Roughage is the most important source of nutrition for horses and supports proper intestinal development. Adequate access to good-quality roughage can prevent digestive problems later in life. Tip: If you're unsure about the quality, have the roughage analyzed to better understand its nutritional value. Developing foals, in particular, have a high need for protein, which is essential for growth.

• Tip 3: Start Feeding Opti-GROW at an Early Stage

When a foal is just a few weeks old, you can start offering it some Opti-GROW. This special foal pellet has a reduced diameter to encourage the intake of concentrate. Of course, during the first period, the mother's milk remains the foal's main source of nutrition, and foal pellets are only introduced to familiarize the foal with solid food. Begin with small amounts and gradually increase the quantity. If you need advice on this, feel free to contact us!
Do not start weaning until the foal consumes enough roughage and concentrate to avoid a ‘weaning dip.’ Weaning is a significant change, so it's essential to ensure that other conditions remain as familiar as possible. A decreased intake of concentrate is common during this period, especially in foals that are not yet accustomed to concentrate feed. Opti-GROW is highly palatable due to the addition of milk powder, which stimulates intake. If you're curious about Opti-GROW and want to learn more, click here.

• Tip 4: Keep an eye on fluid intake

A foal might find the initial moments without its mare quite tense. This can lead to foals not drinking enough. Make sure there is always plenty of fresh drinking water available. An automatic drinking bowl is not preferable here because you cannot keep an eye on whether the foal is actually drinking enough.

• Tip 5: Take plenty of pictures

By taking regular pictures of the foal, you can keep an objective eye on its condition score. This ensures that you can intervene in time if you notice that the foal is becoming too thin or too fat. Maintaining an optimal condition score reduces the risk of health problems.