Aug, 2021
A: Firstly, you’ve done exactly the right thing getting your vet involved as laminitis is an incredibly painful condition and your mare will need extra care while she recovers. Equally, it’s always important to speak to your vet to find the root cause of the laminitis, so that you can manage your broodmare to avoid the risk of further episodes.
Although, there are many possible trigger factors for laminitis (e.g. diseases associated with inflammation, mechanical overload and metabolic and endocrine diseases), the pregnant mare can be at particular risk of this condition for a number of reasons.
During pregnancy, broodmares will naturally gain around 15% bodyweight and this can put extra stress on the laminae. For those that were already carrying too much weight prior to pregnancy, or where they gain excessive weight during pregnancy, the risk of laminitis is increased. In addition, as pregnancy progresses the mare naturally becomes more insulin resistance in order to divert glucose to the growing foetus. The extent of insulin resistance depends on many factors including the mare’s body condition score and whether she already suffers from any underlying metabolic issues, such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Cushing’s Disease. For pregnant mares known to be suffering from these conditions the increase in insulin resistance associated with pregnancy could be the final straw that tips them into suffering a laminitis episode.
14% Stud Mix is a traditional cereal-based feed designed to be fed at 4-5kg/ day for a 500kg mare in late pregnancy. However, feeding this amount to your mare will result in her gaining too much weight so you have sensibly reduced the amount you are feeding. As you are now feeding roughly half the recommended amount your mare will not be receiving all the vital micronutrients she needs to support her own health and that of her foal in utero, which will grow and develop rapidly in the final trimester.
Considering your mare is in very good condition, I would recommend you replace the 14% Stud Mix with a stud balancer. This balancer should be formulated to provide a low calorie, highly concentrated source of essential quality protein and micronutrients (including chelated minerals for improved availability). It should be a cereal grain-free feed, and contain ultra-low levels of starch so is ideal for horses prone to laminitis. Extra ingredients, e.g. prebiotics, which help to support digestive health, hoof health, fertility, as well as colostrum and milk quality are desired.
Although you have done the right thing reducing your mare’s calorie intake, it’s important that any weight loss is gradual and that she doesn’t become too lean, as this may affect the unborn foal. If you do find that a balancer alone is not providing enough calories for your mare to maintain optimal weight during her final trimester then I recommend adding some Horse Care 14 Mix or, alternatively, 12.5% Endurance Mix (Hi-Oil) to her feed. These should be fed according to condition and the amount of balancer adjusted accordingly. Horse Care 14 Mix and 12.5% Endurance Mix (Hi-Oil) provide a low starch source of calories and contains our unique Care package.
Finally, it is important that any changes to your mare’s diet are introduced gradually over a period of at least 4-7 days to allow her digestive system time to adapt and minimise the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances.
If you are concerned about laminitis in your broodmare, please contact one of our Nutritionists for expert advice.
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If you are concerned about laminitis in your broodmare, please contact one of Our Nutritionists for Expert Advice.
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Nicolas Gaumerais
Group Commercial Manager GCC Region
Based in the UAE, Nicolas Gaumerais is the Commercial Manager of Connolly's RED MILLS Group which includes Connolly's RED MILLS horse feeds and Foran Equine supplements sold in the GCC region. Nicholas regularly travels across the Gulf to meet customers.
Dominic Bligh
Group Commercial and Technical Executive GCC Region
Alternatively, reach out to Dominic Bligh who offers nutritional & technical support for Connolly's REDMILLS Feed and Foran Equine supplements. Dominic is also the Commercial Manager for Foran Equine Supplements. He regularly visits client's stables in the Middle East to advise on bespoke feeding programmes.
