Nursing Mare Nutrition Calculator

Did You Know

Nursing mares have elevated nutritional needs to support the growth of their foals and their own health during lactation. The stage of lactation significantly influences a mare’s dietary requirements. Our Nursing Mare Nutrition Calculator is designed to help horse owners formulate a balanced diet that meets the increased energy, protein, and micronutrient demands of lactating mares.

Introduction

Welcome to the Animal Nutrition Calculator’s Nursing Mare Nutrition Calculator. This innovative tool assists horse owners in managing their nursing mare’s nutrition effectively. By considering the mare’s current weight and stage of lactation, the calculator provides a custom feeding plan to ensure both the mare and foal receive adequate nutrition.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

To get the most accurate feeding plan from this calculator, be ready with the following information:

Your mare’s current weight and the unit of measurement (100-2200 lbs/ 45-1000 kg)
The current stage of your mare’s lactation (1-3 months, or 4 months to weanling)

Access The Nursing Mare Nutrition Calculator Here:

Tips for Feeding Nursing Mares

Energy and Protein: Mares in early lactation may require up to 75% more energy and 40% more protein compared to their maintenance needs.
Quality Forage: Provide access to high-quality forage to support milk production and the mare’s body condition.
Balanced Micronutrients: Ensure the diet is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support foal development and mare health. As the foal grows and starts to eat solids, it will be time to consider the nutrition transition they will need, which you can learn more about on our Weanling Nutrition Calculator page.
Adequate Water: Lactating mares need abundant water to maintain milk production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Much Should a Nursing Mare Eat?

A lactating mare’s feed intake can increase significantly to meet the demands of milk production. The exact amount depends on the mare’s body weight, body condition, and the age of the foal.

What Type of Feed is Best for a Nursing Mare?

A lactation diet should be rich in energy, protein, and essential nutrients. This can include specially formulated mare and foal feeds, along with high-quality forage.

Why Trust Animal Nutrition Calculator and How This Calculator Was Developed

Our Nursing Mare Nutrition Calculator was developed in collaboration with equine nutrition experts and is grounded in the latest scientific research and recommendations for equine care. It aims to provide horse owners with evidence-based guidance for feeding lactating mares.

Disclaimer

The calculator is intended as a guide and not a replacement for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a veterinarian or an equine nutrition specialist to create a comprehensive and individualized feeding program for your nursing mare.