Weaning Basics
By D. Craig Barnett, DVM
Weaning can be a very stressful event for both the mare and the foal. However, careful planning and preparation can help minimize stress and maximize health for both the mare and foal.
In the wild, foals become increasingly independent of their dams starting at about three months of age. At this time the foals are beginning to consume more grass and depend less on the mare's milk for nutrition. With maturity the foal will nurse less and less. The decreased nursing aids the natural weaning process by decreasing the stimulus for mild production. Immediately after foaling, a mare's milk production will gradually increase with peak production at about three months. After three months, the mare's milk production will gradually decline.
Although mares in the wild will often allow their young to continue to nurse until just before their next foal is born, they will eventually discourage an older foal from nursing by kicking or biting the foal when it attempts to nurse. In our domesticated horses this natural weaning process is generally not practiced for various reasons. Re-breeding and preparing the mare for her next foaling as well as shaping the foal for its life independent of the mare are general weaning considerations.
With our domesticated horses, the most common age to wean foals is between four and six months of age. However, the age you select to wean your foal may vary depending upon several factors such as the condition and health of the mare, the growth rate of the foal, the social and physical maturity of the foal, the weather, and the availability of appropriate facilities. Regardless of the age you select to wean your foal, there are several things you can do to help minimize the stress of foaling and help decrease the chances of injury to your mare and foal.
At lease one month before weaning you should start the foal on creep feed. This will help prepare the foal's digestive system for the switch from a predominantly milk diet to solid feed. Most foals are already eating grain along with their dams by the time they are three months of age. However, some mares will become aggressive with their foals while eating and will not allow the foal to eat. Therefore, it is best to construct a safe creep feeder that will allow the foal to freely enter and leave while restricting the mare from entering. Creep feeders should be covered to prevent the feed from getting wet. The feed should be checked daily and you should remove any old, wet, or moldy feed. The creep feed should be specifically balanced to meet the foal's nutritional needs. A foal's nutritional requirements are different from an adult horse and the feed needs to be formulated to allow for the different protein, calcium and phosphorous needs of the growing foal. It is best to consult with your local nutritionist, extension agent, or veterinarian regarding a creep feed ration.
Due to the stress of weaning, it is very important that your foal is in good health prior to weaning. Hopefully your foal has been kept on a good deworming and vaccination program prior to weaning. If you have any questions regarding deworming and vaccination recommendation, it is best to consult with your veterinarian. Recommendations may vary depending on several factors such as geographic location, number of horses on the farm, and the potential for exposure.
There are several methods used to wean foals. The method used may vary depending upon the availability of facilities, the number of horses on the farm, prior experience, and the amount of assistance available. Regardless of the method used, keeping stress to a minimum is paramount to the health of the mare and foal. One of the least stressful and best methods is to put the mare and foal in adjacent pens, pastures, or corrals. This method requires good, safe fencing, such as wire mesh where the foal cannot stick its head through to nurse. Using this method allows the foal to see, communicate, and maintain contact with the mare but does not allow the foal to nurse. Over a period of time, generally two to three weeks, the foal will become less dependent upon the mare.
Another method involves removing one mare at time from a band of mares and foals that are accustomed to running together. In most cases the bossiest, most aggressive mare is removed first. Every couple of days the next most aggressive mare is removed. With this method the foal feels the loss of the dam but maintains the comfort of his playmates and companions.
A third method of weaning involves removing the foals from the mares and putting the foals together into groups. Again, with this method the foal maintains the comfort of his companions.
One of most stressful methods of weaning foals involves abruptly removing the foal from its dam and placing it alone in a stall.
Regardless of the method you use to wean your foal it is generally better move the mare and not the foal. Mares are more capable of coping with change and the foal will be less stressed if it is kept in a familiar setting. It is always a good idea to provide the weaned foal with another companion. This could be another foal being weaned or a gentle, order mare or gelding.
Remember that at weaning, foals are often excited, stressed and nervous. They may attempt to jump fences, squeeze through openings, and may become injured on sharp objects or hazards in the pasture or stall. Therefore, make sure that your weaning facility is free of hazards and surrounded by safe, adequate fencing.
After weaning, gradually decrease your mares grain and provide her with plenty of free exercise. Observe her udder on a regular basis. Mastitis, or inflammation of the udder, is not common in horse but it can occur. The most common signs of mastitis include a swollen, hot, painful udder. The mare may also be depressed and have a fever. If you think your mare may have mastitis, have her examined by your veterinarian. A common mistake is to mild out the mare's udder after weaning. This should not be done as it mimics the suckle reflex and stimulates the mare to produce more milk. For the normal swollen udder, cool water washes may help decrease the blood supply to the udder and thereby aid in reducing the swelling. However, under normal circumstances it is best to let Mother Nature take care of things.
