Buy Mare and Youngstock Horse Feeds in the UK
Feeding Broodmares
The most common mistakes made in feeding broodmares are overfeeding during early pregnancy and underfeeding during lactation. Correct nutrition from conception onwards helps ensure the production of a strong healthy foal. Indeed, not feeding the mare correctly, throughout pregnancy and lactation, can impact on how well your foal grows and develops. Whatever feed you choose, it’s very important to feed it at the manufacturer’s recommended levels to ensure the mare is receiving all the nutrients she and her growing foal need. It is also important to consider the type and quality of the forage your mare has access to. Good quality grass that is high in calories may mean she only needs a low calorie balancer to support her requirements (remember even the best grass will not provide your mares with all the vitamins, minerals and protein she needs). Poorer grass or relying on hay or haylage, then higher calorie Cubes or Mix may be necessary. Divide the feed into small meals due to limited internal space and to maximise digestibility.
Lactation
Milk production requires more energy than hard work, so the mare’s feed needs to be gradually increased accordingly in the early stages of lactation. The volume of milk she produces will peak around 5 weeks into lactation, and if not enough nutrients and/or calories are provided by her diet, the mare will 'milk off her back', losing both weight and top line.
Feeding Stallions
Breeding stallions are often the most frustrating horses to maintain optimal body condition. Some become too lean at the height of the breeding season, while others remain heavy no matter what. By providing a carefully balanced diet alongside an appropriate exercise plan and monitoring weight regularly, a stallion can be kept trim all year long.
Feeding Youngstock
The nutrient needs of the growing horse are somewhat different to that of a mature adult horse. It is vital that young horses receive optimal levels of all vitamins and minerals. Good quality protein is also essential to ensure that they grow and develop correctly. It is important that young ponies are provided with adequate, but not excessive amounts of energy (calories) in the diet, which could lead to developmental problems. The best way to judge youngster’s energy requirements is to monitor and condition score them regularly; you should aim to be able to just see their ribs. They will look leggy. If your youngster is currently in good condition you may also like to consider feeding some Alfalfa Chaff (i.e. Dengie Alfa-A Original, or Alfa-A Lite) as this is an excellent source of both quality protein and calcium. This is particularly useful during the winter when the grass is poor. If your foal needs additional calories then we would recommend Dodson & Horrell Mare & Youngstock Mix, which has been specifically formulated to be fed to native types between the ages of 1 to 3 years. Whatever you choose to do with your youngster, investing in good quality nutrition and horse feeds that are well-tailored to youngstock in their formative years is likely to pay dividends in the years to come.
SPR Centre stock a range of premium quality, nutritionally balanced horse feeds to meet the specific requirements of breeding mares, stallions and also youngstock. Rest assured, you will always find a high quality horse feed when you shop online with SPR Centre. You can also expect a great service along with fast delivery - wherever you are in the UK.
