Cathy Riccio
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Feeding Foals, Weanlings and Yearlings The first of a two-part series on proper equine nutrition.
P
roper equine nutrition is essential in all stages of horse management from feeding nursing foals to aging seniors. The key to managing a successful nutrition program is understanding the dynamics of change in the growth and development of the horse and modifying the diet as plateaus are reached. Since the constituents of a feeding program tend to differ from various regions 24 | Covertside
across the country, this discussion will be limited to — but not exclusive of — complete concentrate diets formulated from local products in most regions and hay that is a timothy-alfalfa mix. First Solid Feed
Starting with foals prior to weaning, the first introduction to solid feeds is usually by a creep feeding method. This is usu-
By Dr. Steven Allday
ally achieved in pastures and will allow the smaller foal access to this pasture while restricting contact with his dam. Typically this is a complete pelleted ration that can supply a balanced supplement to the foal prior to weaning and makes the transition to procuring solid feed much easier at weaning time. Weaned foals are rapidly growing and require plenty of protein and energy for activity and carefully balanced