Reducing Weaning Stress in Foals
By Cindy
McCall, PhD
Professor
and Extension Horse Specialist
Department of Animal Science, Auburn University, AL 36849
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Today’s
horse industry demands that horses become economically productive
at a young age. Therefore, many breed associations are initiating
show classes and sales for weanlings. Winning or placing well
in these activities can result in sizable prize monies or
high selling prices for young horses. Owners who are trying
to compete in these activities must maintain the health and
soundness of their young horses. A critical time for these
young horses is the weaning period in which the foal’s
main source of nourishment (milk) and security (its dam) are
removed and replaced with less familiar sources. Stress involved
in the weaning process of foals can result in weight loss,
sickness or injury. Owners who want to optimize the growth
and health of their young horses should take steps to reduce
the stress involved in this procedure.
The
Right Age
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The
“correct” age for weaning depends on the individual
management situation. Foals can be weaned successfully any
time the horse owner is ready t o provide the foal’s
nourishment and social needs. In most management schemes,
foals are weaned between 3 and 6 months of age. Factors such
as health status, show or breeding schedules and sales may
dictate weaning at a young age. However, older foals generally
are more independent from their dams and adjust more quickly
to weaning than younger foals.
Feeding Baby
Whatever
the weaning age, the foal should have been exposed to creep
feed well before weaning time. This allows the foal to gradually
change its diet and introduces the foal to the feed it will
eat at weaning. Foals should be introduced to creep feed when
they become noticeably interested in eating the mare’s
concentrate ration or at least by 2 months of age. Creep feed
rations should be fresh and balanced for foals. Generally,
a commercial creed feed which contains at least 16% crude
protein, 0.8% calcium, 0.5% phosphorus should meet the nursing
foal’s and the weanling’s nutritional needs when
it is combined with a good quality grass hay or pasture.
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Older
foals generally are more independent from their dams and adjust
more quickly to weaning than younger foals.
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Planning Ahead
Performing foal health care procedures prior to weaning, rather
than at weaning, can reduce weaning stress and allow the foal
to have higher disease resistance during and immediately after
weaning. A deworming program should be started when the foal
is 4 to 6 weeks of age with a dewormer that is labeled safe
for foals this young. An immunization program should begin
at 3 to 4 months of age. All foals should be vaccinated for
eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis and tetanus.
Horse owners should consult their veterinarian about the need
and timing of other vaccinations. Along with these health
care measures, horse owners should perform regular hoof care
on foals to help keep the foal’s bones properly aligned
and correct minor feet and leg problems before they seriously
affect the foal’s movement or health. When performing
health care procedures, owners should handle foals gently
and quietly so that the foals do not learn to associate humans
with fearful procedures. Similarly, halter breaking and gentling
ideally should be done prior to weaning so that the foal is
friendly towards people, acquainted with its weaning environment
and easy to handle at weaning time.
Weaning should take place in a familiar environment for the
foal. If weaning will take place in a special pen or stall,
make sure the foal is adapted to this area prior to weaning.
A gradual weaning method in which nursing is prevented, but
the mare and foal can see, hear, and touch each other produces
less stress in the foal than abruptly and completely separating
the mare and foal. A safe fence line or adjoining stalls or
pens usually work well. If the weaning area consists of adjoining
pastures, the mare and foal usually leave the common fence
line after several days. If adjoin stalls are used, remove
the mare after 4 to 7 days. Another gradual weaning method,
which works well with pastured groups of mares and foals,
is to progressively remove a mare from the group every few
days. Begin with the dam of the most independent foal and
gradually remove mares until all the foals are weaned. These
gradual weaning methods usually reduce signs of distress in
foals such as running, frantic neighing, weight loss, and
injuries and minimize the time it takes for the foal to adjust
to weaning.
At weaning continue feeding the foal the same feed it was
eating as a creep feed and provide it with a high quality
hay or pasture and clean, fresh water. Make sure the weaning
area is well ventilated, free of dust and provides shade.
Do not add stress producing management procedures at weaning
time, such as castration and halter breaking.
After weaning, the mare’s concentrate ration should
be reduced (or omitted if she is maintained on a good pasture)
for several weeks to slow milk production. Milking the mare
to relieve pressure in her udder is not recommended because
this stimulates milk production.
By taking steps to prepare the foal for weaning and by using
a gradual weaning procedure, horse owners can reduce the stress
which accompanies weaning. This will result in larger, healthier
foals, which are more competitive in the show and sale activities,
which are popular for weaning horses.
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Cindy
McCall is a professor at Auburn University Department
of Animal Sciences where she teaches their equine science
courses and serves as extension horse specialist for
Alabama. She .
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