Research has shown that gradually weaned foals exhibit less stress than abruptly weaned foals. Foals introduced to their weaning ration from 3 – 4 months of age should benefit from more even growth rates, fewer growth spurts and a gradual transition in the digestive tract for utilisation and absorption of feedstuffs.  At the time of weaning, the foal should be receiving sufficient nutrients from a stud ration to maintain weight and consistent growth when the milk supply is removed.

The main concerns at this stage of the weanling’s development are the need to provide a concentrate ration to balance the forage given, and to ensure that the nutrient intake is sufficient for individual growth. Provision of sufficient nutrients for muscular development and conversion of cartilage to bone is essential.

The concentrates should be removed from the mare’s diet until she has dried up. If she is pregnant again she will require a stud ration to support the foetus throughout pregnancy.

Weaning to Maturity

Growth rates slow with increasing age, so fewer nutrients are required to support tissue growth. However the youngster still requires a balanced diet to maintain the growth which is still occurring. The Growth Monitoring Chart is based on projected mature body weight, and can be used as a guide to determining an appropriate feed management programme.

Baileys Stud Range products are formulated so that they can be used together, so the energy level of the diet can be adjusted without compromising the nutrient status. If a horse is receiving the recommended amount of No.7 Stud Mix or No.3 Stud Cubes, a proportion can be replaced with Stud Balancer, to prevent the horse becoming over topped, without reducing the levels of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. For every 3lbs of stud ration removed, 1lb of Stud Balancer should be added to control the calorie intake. Maintaining this ratio helps provide a balanced diet when fed with forage. The amount of Stud Balancer should be adjusted depending on whether the youngster is on a hay or grass based diet. Slightly less should be fed when the horse is at grass due to the higher nutritional content of grass compared to hay.