Feed

Now that it's been a few days past 3 weeks, Atticus's little teeth are coming in. We've noticed him sampling grass, hay and his mum's feed - only a matter of time before he starts eating his own.

I just found a brand of food, while doing some research, that is suitable for all types of horses up to 12 months of age. Apparently it helps reduce weaning stress and promote steady growth - I guess Masterfeeds AND Proform both produce it (oddly enough using the same foal picture - unless they're the same company) I am going to pick some up this weekend and look into how soon we can start feeding him some and whether or not we need to soak it.

The above product FRISKY FOAL features: 

• dehydrated alfalfa and molasses
• low carbohydrate, low glycemic
• high level of trace minerals from organic sources
• high level of protein and lysine
• added yeast
• highly fortified formulation
• contains added b-vitamins

ADDITIONALLY 

• foals cannot separate the ingredients - consistent with each bite
• more bio-available resulting in higher uptake of trace elements
• improve growth
• improve immunity
• allows flexibility of feeding rates

Right now we are feeding his mum 3 cups of SOAKED BEET PULP mixed with 2 cups of Proforms Step 1 - Broodmare feed. We feed Eli 3 cups of SOAKED BEET PULP with 1 cup of oats and a table spoon of flax seed. We were feeding him a cereal type feed that wound him up as I think he converted it into sugar, thinking about picking him up some Hoffman's Horse Rations (it contains NO grain) 

Apparently between 2 - 3 months the mare will need double the amount of feed and protein as she will hit her peak, so her feed should be increased during this time. Also, between 8 - 10 weeks the foal should start giving the foal additional feed. From 4 months on gradually and over time the foals additional feed (grain/forage etc) should be increased while the mare's should be decreased - this is to assist with weaning, providing the foal with necessary nutrients but also to help stop the mare from producing milk. 

 Weanlings, and yearlings benefit from a diet of 14 - 16 percent protein, their diet should never contain less than 30 % roughage and they should ALWAYS have access to fresh water and room for exercise and development.

Here are FOAL FEEDING GUIDELINES from the American Association of Equine Practitioners website:

1. Provide high quality roughage (hay and pasture) free choice
2. Supplement with high quality grain/feed for Weanlings
3. Start by feeding one percent of a foal's body weight per day (one pound for each 100, or one pound per month of age) 
4. Weigh and adjust the feed ration based on growth and fitness (a weight tape can help) 
5. Foals have small stomachs, split rations to 2 - 3 times a day
6. Make sure feeds contain proper balance of vitamins, minerals, energy and protein
7. Use a creep feeder or feed the foal separate from other horses (mare) 
8. Remove unwanted portions between feedings
9. Provide unlimited, fresh, clean water
10. Provide opportunity for abundance exercise