Fueling New Life: Calories, Forage, and Body Condition for Mares with Newborn Foals

The moment a foal hits the ground, the nutritional demands on the broodmare surge. She becomes not only responsible for her own maintenance, recovery, and immune health, but also the sole source of nourishment for her rapidly growing newborn. Managing her diet with precision is crucial—not just for her well-being, but for the health and development of her foal.

The Role of Body Condition

A mare’s body condition score (BCS)—a numerical assessment of her fat stores on a scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese)—plays a vital role in her ability to support a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and effective lactation. Ideally, a broodmare should enter foaling season at a BCS of 5 to 6, with enough energy reserves to meet postpartum demands without becoming overly thin or metabolically stressed. Mares should maintain a strong topline and ribs should be palpable but not easily visible at rest.

Mares in poor body condition may produce less milk, have more trouble rebreeding, and may pass along fewer nutrients to their foals. On the other hand, overweight mares can be at higher risk for foaling complications and metabolic issues. Striking the right balance is key.

Lactation: A Time of Peak Nutritional Demand

During peak lactation—typically the first 8 to 12 weeks postpartum—a mare’s calorie requirement can more than double her maintenance needs. She may need 30,000–35,000 kcal per day, depending on her size, metabolic rate, and milk production.

The average 1,100-pound mare in early lactation may require:

• 25–30 lbs of high-quality forage daily at minimum with some mares consuming up to 50lbs, depending on forage quality.

• A calorie-dense concentrate if forage alone can’t meet energy needs.

• A balanced vitamin and mineral supplement, especially for calcium, phosphorus, and copper—nutrients critical for both milk production and foal growth.

Forage First

Forage should remain the foundation of the mare’s diet. High-quality alfalfa or legume-grass mixes provide more digestible energy and protein than mature grass hay. Good forage supports:

• Digestive health

• Consistent energy

• Proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios

Aim for at least 2.5% of body weight in total forage intake daily, with a mix of long-stem hay and pasture (if available).

Monitoring and Adjusting

It’s essential to monitor the mare’s:

• Body condition weekly using visual and hands-on evaluation

• Milk production (is the foal nursing frequently and growing?)

• Energy levels and attitude

• Manure quality, as sudden diet changes or excess grain can disrupt digestion

Adjust feed as needed based on her weight, milk demand, and reproductive status—especially if she will be bred back soon.

The Long-Term Payoff

Mares maintained in good body condition not only produce stronger, healthier foals, but also recover faster from foaling and breed back more easily. The early investment in her nutrition pays off in the foal’s growth, immune development, and lifelong soundness.

Feeding the broodmare isn’t just about calories—it’s about nourishing the next generation. With a foundation of quality forage, attention to calorie needs, and regular body condition monitoring, you’re setting both mare and foal up for success.

At WhoaZone we are feeding:

Cube It Alfalfa Cubes (FREE CHOICE)

California Bermuda Grass Hay (FREE CHOICE)

Tribute Growth (As directed on bag, we do use a digital scale to weigh feed)

SmartPaks customized for each mare’s unique needs