Broodmare Nutrition: Preparing for Fall and Winter

Broodmare Nutrition: Preparing for Fall and Winter

Laurie Lawrence, PhD, a professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky, provided this information.

All broodmares should have their body condition assessed regularly, as mares in good body condition have a reservoir of stored fat that can be used during cold winter weather. Good body condition helps barren and maiden mares establish normal cycles sooner in the breeding season and results in higher conception rates. Similarly, mares in good body condition at foaling are easier to rebreed than thin mares.

Owners can usually assess a horse's body condition by evaluating the amount of fat deposited on the ribs, along the neck and spine, and behind the shoulder. The typical scoring system uses a 1 to 9 scale, where a horse with a score of 1 is emaciated and 9 is obese. A horse with a condition score of 5 is considered to have "moderate" body condition. Mares that enter the breeding season with a condition score below 5 have reduced reproductive efficiency. Therefore, the target body condition score for broodmares is at least 5. While there is no advantage to a mare having a very high score (being very fat), if she has a score of 6 in late fall she will have a small reserve of fat during winter when she will be burning extra calories to stay warm.

Horses with body condition scores between 5 and 6 have ribs that can be felt easily, but that are not visible. In addition, these horses have enough fat cover over their topline that the loin area is relatively flat. Their necks are not thin and blend smoothly into the shoulder. A horse with a score higher than 7 has ribs that are difficult to feel and so much fat along the spine that there is a deep crease in the loin area. On the other hand, if the spine is visible along the loin area and the ribs are also visible, then the body condition score would be closer to a 4. If more of the mare's bony structures are visible (e.g., the shoulder or hip bones are prominent) then the body condition score would be below a 4.

Many mares that nursed a foal during the summer and early fall as well as mares used for strenuous competitive activities during the summer (racing, endurance competition, polo, etc.) often enter the fall with condition scores below 5. These horses will need to consume extra calories in the fall to ensure they are in good body condition for the next breeding and foaling season.

Mares that have been grazing abundant, high-quality pasture all summer and fall might have body condition scores above 7. Although high condition scores have not been shown to negatively affect reproduction, they might increase a mare's risk for limb and hoof problems, including laminitis. If a horse is overweight, winter is a good time for weight loss because the pasture is less nutritious and the cold weather increases calorie use.

Pasture and Hay

As pasture quality and quantity decline in late fall, owners should supplement mares' forage intake with hay. Some horse managers in Central Kentucky begin feeding hay to pastured mares beginning Nov. 1, but make a decision based on the condition of your individual mares and pasture. If the mares are losing body condition, the nutrients available to them are likely insufficient. Even if the mares seem to be maintaining body condition but the pasture is showing signs of overgrazing, it is probably time to offer hay. Providing hay in the fall will serve two purposes: First, it ensures mares will have enough to eat; and second, it might reduce overgrazing of the pasture. Overgrazing in the fall can weaken the plants, thus reducing their vigor the next spring and summer. Overgrazing can also allow more weeds to invade the pasture.

The best way to evaluate whether pastured mares need hay is to put some in the pasture. If the horses ignore the hay, then the pasture is probably meeting their forage needs. If they eat some but not all of the hay, then the amount of hay fed can be reduced until the amount that remains at the next feeding is small. If the horses devour the hay rapidly, the pasture quality is clearly declining and the horses need hay.

Many types of hay are acceptable for broodmares, but the main selection characteristics should be safety and nutrition. Most tall fescue in the southeastern United States is infected with a fungal endophyte that can negatively affect mares in late gestation. Unless tall fescue hay has been tested and is known to be endophyte-free, it should not be used for mares, especially pregnant mares. Any hay that is fed to horses should also be free of toxic weeds, dust, and mold.

Legume hays (e.g., alfalfa and clover) are higher in nutrients than most grass hays (timothy, orchardgrass, etc.). In a recent study conducted at the University of Kentucky (UK), Thoroughbred mares in mid and late gestation were able to eat enough good-quality alfalfa hay to meet their protein requirements. Mares fed timothy hay were able to eat enough hay to meet their protein requirements in mid-gestation, but not in late gestation. When applied to practical feeding situations, these results mean horses fed good-quality alfalfa hay will require less concentrate (sweet feed or pellets) than horses fed timothy hay.

In addition to considering the type of hay to use, a broodmare owner might want to estimate how much hay he or she will need to provide during the fall and winter. In the UK study mares consumed about 2-2.25 pounds of hay for each 100 pounds of body weight. So a medium-sized Thoroughbred mare (1,250 pounds) would consume about 25-28 pounds of hay daily. Remember that this figure represents the amount of hay consumed, not the amount fed. There will always be some wasted hay, so the amount fed should be slightly greater than the amount to be consumed. However, the mares in the study received only a small amount of concentrate each day, and mares fed greater amounts of concentrate would need less hay. If hay is fed at 30 pounds/horse/day from Nov. 1 through March 30, then a little more than two tons of hay will be needed to feed the medium-sized mare over this period. If the hay feeding period is longer or shorter, or the mare is expected to eat more or less hay, then the total amount of hay would change.

Concentrates and Supplement Pellets

In addition to pasture and/or hay, broodmares are usually fed either a commercially manufactured concentrate or supplement pellet (sometimes called a balancer pellet). The term "concentrate" refers to a feed that is a concentrated source of calories. Common concentrates such as oats, corn, and other cereal grains are good sources of calories but they are low in calcium and other necessary nutrients. Commercially manufactured concentrates usually include cereal grains, but they also contain additional nutrients. If a concentrate is formulated for a broodmare, the level of nutrient supplementation will be targeted to meet her needs. Concentrates are added when the forage portion of the diet does not provide enough calories to meet a mare's needs. Most Thoroughbred-type mares should receive 5-10 pounds of concentrate in late gestation. Mares from small, thrifty breeds will usually be fed less concentrate in late gestation.

Supplement pellets are concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes protein. They are fed in small amounts (usually 1-2 pounds per day) when the pasture or hay provides all the calories a mare needs. For example, if a mare can maintain a condition score of 6 on pasture or hay alone, then she does not need the extra calories provided by a concentrate. But, she does need many of the minerals provided in the supplement pellet. Supplement pellets are not needed if a mare is getting at least 4 pounds of a commercially manufactured broodmare concentrate. However, a supplement pellet can be combined with a plain cereal grain (such as oats) if an owner prefers not to use a commercially manufactured feed.

Laurie Lawrence, PhD, a professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky, provided this information.

Transitioning the Retired Race Horse

Since there are a lot of race horses in our area being retired from the tracks this time of year we thought it was a good idea to post some helpful guidelines for a smooth transition.

American Association of Equine Practitioners

TRANSITIONING THE RETIRED RACEHORSE

Racehorses can be very useful in other careers after retiring from racing. Many are donated 

to retirement facilities that provide permanent sanctuary or provide retraining and 

adoption to suitable homes. These horses’ uses may range from non‐ridden, companion 

animals to athletic sport horses. As in most equine endeavors, the intended use of the horse 

has a large bearing on its rehoming potential. The equine practitioner can assist, both at the 

track and at the retirement facility, with the potential use of these horses after they retire 

from racing. There are many variables that must be considered in this determination. While 

there are no absolutes, there are conditions associated with physical limitations which will 

likely prevent a horse from future athletic endeavors.  Foremost for the equine practitioner 

are the soundness of the individual animal and the identification of various conditions that 

may affect future usability. 

Based on their professional experience, most veterinarians will have a personal 

perspective regarding which medical conditions can be consistent with various uses. These 

guidelines will outline the common health issues encountered and offer opinions based on 

the committee’s collective expertise. There is minimal scientific data on which to base these 

prognostic decisions and ultimately recommendations may be founded solely on 

professional veterinary opinion.  As improved documentation of experience with injury 

rehabilitation becomes available, more accurate prognostic decisions will be possible.  The 

veterinarian advising or making recommendations as to the future use of a horse should be 

familiar with the demands and health requirements of that use, and it is recommended that 

the veterinarian’s prognosis for athletic ability in a specific horse be conservative in order 

to avoid situations where failed expectations result in a horse becoming unwanted. 

The first step in determining the prognosis for a racehorse to be transitioned to another 

use is a comprehensive evaluation. This should include as detailed a medical history as is 

available and a thorough musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiac and ophthalmic 

examination.  Because many horses that are to be examined have had recent medication for 

various infirmities, it may be necessary to examine an animal more than once to assess its 

accurate health status.  Arrival exams are standard procedure for most of the major 

retirement organizations. Good records of these exams are necessary. Often these exams 

are the responsibility of the facility to which the animal is donated, at which time a medical 

history is likely unavailable.  The AAEP recommends that responsibility for the horse’s 

evaluation be borne by the horse’s donor, thus saving the facility funds and allowing them

to more effectively triage the animal.

Many retirement facilities have very limited capacity and lack resources to support animals 

for a long period. Therefore, it is in the interest of both the horse and the facility to make 

prudent and efficient decisions regarding individual animals in order to responsibly 

manage financial resources. Humane euthanasia is a legitimate consideration for animals 

that have chronic unsoundness that renders them unsuitable candidates for adoption, or 

for animals that are uncomfortable to the extent they cannot humanely live out their days 

in a field. 

Physical Assessment

For the purpose of these guidelines, the following definitions are used to describe the levels 

of recommended use for the transitioned horse. 

• Level I:  Pasture turnout, non‐ridden. 

• Level II:  Light use, to include trail riding at the walk and occasional trot on good 

footing. 

• Level III: Moderate use such as flat work at the walk, trot, canter and varied terrain. 

Occasional jumping in good conditions generally with fences less than two feet. 

• Level IV:  Full athletic work; no exclusions. 

In addition to physical condition, temperament is a critical factor in determining successful 

placement of these horses. Most retirement facilities are managed by experienced horse 

people whose assessment of a horse’s temperament, demeanor, socialization (human and 

equine) and tractability will be important. Such evaluation requires a good history and 

regular monitoring by experienced observers. While the veterinarian may have input as to 

an animal’s temperament for a specific purpose, such decisions should be made in consultation with management. Stallions and colts should be castrated before transitioning.

The following is a listing of conditions commonly seen in retiring racehorses and the 

prognosis for these animals for various uses. 

Musculoskeletal Conditions:

Fetlock

Lameness due to chronic osteoarthritis is common in retiring racehorses and may 

often be the precipitating cause of the horse’s retirement. The degree of lameness 

can be highly variable, and is not always consistent with radiographic findings.  

However, it is unlikely that a horse demonstrating grade 2/5 lameness due to 

fetlock disease will be serviceable as a performance horse. These horses may be able 

to be used for Level II activities, but should still be expected to require an increased 

level of care to maintain their existing level of soundness. Horses with a significant 

decrease in fetlock flexion even if not exhibiting lameness may be compromised for 

significant athletic use (Level III‐IV).  If the adopting agency or person is willing to 

institute therapy to mediate osteoarthritis of the fetlock, the costs should be 

outlined as well as prognosis. Intra‐articular therapies and / or surgery will render 

a number of these animals useful at lower levels (Level I‐III). In general, if a horse 

cannot be maintained for racing with appropriate therapy, it will be difficult to 

maintain that animal for any use other than very low level work in other capacities. 

In particular, these animals will be unlikely to be able to be sound enough for 

jumping or dressage. 

Small osteochrondral fragments should have minimal impact on future soundness if 

the animal is given appropriate therapy and time to recover. Fractures of the 

proximal sesamoids vary greatly and must be individually assessed. In general, 

small apical fractures and basilar fractures without extensive degenerative joint 

disease and marked suspensory disease will be serviceable for moderate level use 

(Level I‐III). Full body fractures often render an animal unsound for any athletic 

activity.

Carpus

The degree of damage to the carpus can dictate future usefulness. If the damage to 

the joint surfaces is not extensive, the horse will be able to transition to low and 

moderate sport horse use including jumping.  If there is extensive osteoarthritis 

involving any of the joint surfaces, the prognosis is quite guarded. Chip fractures can 

be removed and improve the athletic prognosis in many cases. Palmar fractures 

generally carry a less favorable prognosis for any use other than very light pleasure. 

Foot

“No foot, no horse” is a universal truth that crosses all equine disciplines.  Foot 

conditions are often managed on the racetrack with therapeutic shoeing and 

medication and without a specific diagnosis. 

Poorly conformed feet that have to perform on harder surfaces than the track will 

often lead to lameness. Good farriery over time can remedy many hoof conditions, 

and if the adopting group is willing to invest the time, these horses may transition to 

many uses. Chronic quarter cracks can often be healed and corrected. Horses with 

chronic foot pain are poor candidates for use on hard surfaces.  Animals that have 

had laminitis also may be poor candidates for use over firm surfaces. Such horses 

require detailed examination to assess potential serviceability. Since there are many 

causes of foot pain, establishing a diagnosis is key to identifying reasonable athletic 

expectations.  Animals that have been treated with a palmar digital neurectomy will 

require open documentation and careful placement by the adopting group. Wing 

fractures of the third phalanx (coffin bone) often have a good prognosis for other 

uses but should be documented.  Coffin bone fractures involving the joint surface have a poor prognosis for riding soundness. Solar margin fractures generally have a 

favorable prognosis and feet with chronic inflammatory changes may be able to be managed. 

Tarsus

Hock lameness is common and often manageable in both the racing and sport horse. 

Chronic osteoarthritis of the lower joint spaces of the hock will limit usefulness as a 

jumping or dressage horse but may not be inhibiting for lighter work. Many 

appropriate therapies may extend the usefulness of these horses if the adopting 

group is willing to invest in such. In most of these cases, rest alone is not adequate 

for returning a horse to serviceable soundness. 

Stifle

Chronic stifle lameness will prevent most racehorses from transitioning to moderate 

or intense sport use. Osteochrondral fragments (in the absence of osteoarthritic 

changes) typically respond well to surgery, which coupled with appropriate 

intraarticular therapies, will return many of these horses to usefulness for low or 

moderate level activities.  Meniscal or ligamentous damage will limit use to low 

levels of activity. 

Tendon and Ligamentous Injury

Tendonitis of the superficial flexor tendon is a common cause of retirement from 

racing.  The severity of this injury will determine the prognosis for other uses. The 

majority of “bowed” tendons, if treated appropriately and given enough time, will 

transition to most uses other than racing. Most cases will require 10‐12 months to 

be serviceable. 

Suspensory ligament injuries may range from a mild strain to complete failure.  The 

latter is not amenable to transition, and unless extensive treatment is instituted, is a 

life‐threatening injury with a poor prognosis for survival. Chronic severe 

suspensory desmitis will prevent transition to Level III or IV activity. Horses with 

mild to moderate desmitis, if treated appropriately and given considerable rest, may 

be useful for low‐level activity. 

The external appearance of soft tissue structures (tendons and ligaments) may not 

reveal the extent of an injury and it is advisable that ultrasonography be used as an 

adjunct to physical examination to document the degree of injury in cases where 

soft tissue injury is of concern. 

Respiratory Conditions:

Upper Airway Conditions

Laryngeal hemiplegia (“roaring”) is a common cause for racing retirement. 

Although the degree of obstruction will determine future usefulness for other 

purposes, affected horses are very useful as long as speed isn’t required. Horses 

experiencing soft palate problems while racing may not show the same 

symptoms at slower speeds and may be useful for exercise at Levels I‐III.  

Arytenoid chondritis may severely limit a horse’s athletic potential.  Although 

medical and surgical treatments for each of these respiratory conditions may 

improve airway function, a well documented history and endoscopic 

examination prior to referral to the retirement facility is appropriate to help 

clarify the athletic potential of affected horses. 

Lower Airway Disease

Inflammatory airway disease is not uncommon and must be managed if the 

horse is to be transitioned at all. Many horses with an undiagnosed chronic 

cough may transition to lower level uses but should be properly diagnosed for 

the best prognosis.  Horses with exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in 

racing will rarely experience bleeding at other uses unless speed is required 

such as eventing or barrel racing. 

Gastrointestinal Conditions:

Underweight

A thorough physical examination may define the cause of a lower body condition 

score (<2/9).  Adequate nutrition and good general care will reverse most 

underweight conditions.  Horses may also lose condition after leaving the 

racetrack, particularly if managed in groups and fed together.  An aggressive, 

competitive race horse may still end up at the bottom of the social hierarchy 

when transferred to a new facility. Intact males are often a management problem 

and should be castrated. 

Gastric Ulcers

Gastric ulcers are a common cause of a lower body condition score and may 

require gastroscopy for accurate diagnosis. Elimination of the stress of 

competition may improve this condition but some horses will require 

appropriate therapy. Alternatively, the horse may be treated empirically for 

ulcers and its response to therapy evaluated 

Chronic diarrhea is a serious condition and will require extensive workup and 

treatment. 

Costs

The cost of housing, retraining and rehoming retired race horses can be considerable. 

These costs are increased if the horse requires significant veterinary medical care. We have 

discussed many of the common problems associated with this transition. There is little 

national data to reference the costs of veterinary care for these animals.  Many adoption 

facilities enjoy close relationships with veterinary practices that render care at significantly 

reduced costs. These practices see this care as a service to the horse and the facilities 

providing care.  

Should I Blanket? How and When?

This is a question many people start asking themselves as fall rolls around. The cooler weather rolls in, you start putting on an extra layer yourself before going out to do chores or ride, and you wonder if your horse needs an extra layer as well.

Most horses naturally grow a fluffy winter coat as the days begin getting shorter, after shedding out their summer coat, and blanketing a horse too early or too heavily may leave you piling the layers on to a chilly horse when the weather gets really cold. The average horse has in its digestive system a 24-36 gallon fermentation vat (the hindgut – cecum and large intestine). This is where the majority of their feed digestion takes place. This fermentation produces large quantities of energy in the form of heat, which helps to keep them warm even in the coldest weather. 

But he just looks cold! Even with their insulating coat and personal internal heater, some horses just like people just don’t like the cold. Very young horses and older horses can be particularly susceptible to the cold, as they are using more energy to grow or maintain body condition. Horses with increased energy demands, such as high levels of work, growth, or age, can often benefit from a blanket to decrease the energy they put towards keeping themselves warm.
Clipped horses in the winter should always have some type of blanket or sheet, depending on the amount of clipping, as you have removed their natural protection from the weather. 

Fire had a wonderful winter coat, but needed a clip to stay cool while working

So if you’ve decided to blanket, when to start? And what type?

Guidelines for body clipped horses and hard keepers:

40-50 degrees

• A lightweight turnout sheet
• Protection from wind and rain

20-40 degrees

• A midweight blanket
• Warmth
• Blocks wind and rain 
• Good for almost all winter weather

 Teens and below

• Heavy weight blanket
• Extreme cold
• Or horses not adjusted to cold weather (shipped from the south in the winter)

Healthy young adult to adult horses with normal haircoat:

20-40 degrees

• Consider a lightweight blanket or sheet for turn out if stabled for long periods in a warm >45degree barn

Teens and below

• Light to midweight blanket for turnout if not adjusted to temperature (stabled in warm barn or normally wears stable sheet)

Don’t forget if you decide to blanket, to regularly remove the blanket and check for wear spots, any rubs on the horse, and make sure the straps are in good condition.

Update on Monday, January 5, 2015 by Henderson Equine Clinic

If you are concerned about different blanketing levels and weather changes, SmartPak recently came out with a "Blanketing App" which uses the weather report to suggest blanket changes or removal based on your horse's age, work, turn out, and coat thickness!

10 Tips for Equine Weight Reduction (ie. Diet Blog for Horses)

As we go into September 2013, the green grass in Western NY has been growing like crazy, and our horses have been loving the extra groceries.  For our hard keepers thats great news, however if you've been a little busy and your horse's excersize program has been lacking, or you have one of those ponies that gets fat on air, these tips are for you and the health of your horse!

10 Tips for Weight Reduction in the Overweight Horse

As a horse owner, you play an important role in controlling your equine companion’s weight. Sound nutrition management, a regular exercise program and veterinary care are key to keeping your horse fit and healthy. Maintaining the ideal weight is not always easy, however. 

When implementing a weight loss program for the overweight horse, it’s important to do it gradually and under the supervision of an equine veterinarian. 

1. Be patient.  Weight reduction should be a slow, steady process so as to not stress the horse or create metabolic upsets
2. Make changes in both the type and amount of feed gradually.  Reduce rations by no more than 10% over a 7- to 10-day period.
3. Track your horse’s progress by using a weight tape.  When the horse’s weight plateaus, gradually cut back its ration again.
4. Step up the horse’s exercise regimen.  Gradually build time and intensity as the horse’s fitness improves.
5. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water so the horse’s digestive and other systems function as efficiently as possible and rid the body of metabolic and other wastes.
6. Select feeds that provide plenty of high quality fiber but are low in total energy.  Measure feeds by weight rather than by volume to determine appropriate rations.
7. Select feeds that are lower in fat since fat is an energy-dense nutrient source.
8. Switch or reduce the amount of alfalfa hay fed.  Replace with a mature grass or oat hay to reduce caloric intake.
9. Feed separate from other horses so the overweight horse doesn’t have a chance to eat his portion and his neighbor’s too.  Caloric intake may also need to be controlled by limiting pasture intake.
10. Balance the horse’s diet based on age and activity level.  Make sure the horse’s vitamin, mineral and protein requirements continue to be met.

Once your horse has reached its ideal body condition, maintaining the proper weight is a gentle balancing act. You will probably need to readjust your horse’s ration to stabilize its weight.  Exercise will continue to be a key component in keeping the horse fit.  Because obesity can affect a horse’s health, communicate regularly with your veterinarian.  Schedule regular check-ups, especially during the weight reduction process.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Equine Parasites!

Wage War on Equine Parasites

Internal parasites are silent killers. They can cause extensive internal damage, and you may not even realize your horses are heavily infected. At the very least, parasites can lower disease resistance, rob the horse of valuable nutrients, and cause gastrointestinal irritation and unthriftiness. At their worst, they can lead to colic, intestinal ruptures, and death.

Using deworming agents on a regular schedule in combination with good management procedures is critical to relieving your horse of most parasites. Since parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good manure management is key. Establishing a parasite control program is probably second only to supplying the horse with clean, plentiful water and high quality feed.

To get rid of intestinal parasites before they attack your horse, follow these suggestions from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP):

1. Pick up and dispose of manure in pastures at least twice weekly.

2. Mow and harrow pastures regularly to break up manure piles and expose parasite eggs and larvae to the elements.

3. Rotate pastures by allowing other livestock, such as sheep, cattle, or chickens to graze them, thereby interrupting the life cycles of parasites.

4. Group horses by age to reduce exposure to certain parasites and maximize the deworming program geared to that group.

5. Keep the number of horses per acre to a minimum to prevent overgrazing and reduce the fecal contamination per acre.

6. Use a feeder for hay and grain rather than feeding on the ground.

7. Remove bot eggs quickly and regularly from the horse’s haircoat to prevent ingestion.

8. Perform regular Fecal Egg Counts to monitor your horse for internal parasites and help plan an effective deworming schedule.

9. Consult your veterinarian to set up an effective and regular deworming schedule.

Establishing an effective deworming program based around regular Fecal Egg Counts is easy. Discuss a plan with your veterinarian and implement it without delay. A good parasite control program will go a long way toward maximizing your horse’s appearance, performance and comfort. The net result will be an animal that is as healthy on the inside as it appears on the outside.

Sections reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.