FEEDING YOUNGSTOCK

Looking after youngstock can be quite a daunting prospect for many owners, but so long as you stick with the basics, keep things simple, and use plenty of common sense, you shouldn't go far wrong.

Growth & Condition The aim of feeding youngsters is to encourage steady growth. Owners should therefore feed a balanced youngstock feed and not try to bring youngsters on too quickly by feeding large quantities of hard feed.

Any rapid increase in bodyweight weight through overfeeding will not produce a bigger stronger horse. Instead it will put additional stress on immature limbs and joints and may predispose to developmental problems.

Youngsters should be kept in lean condition so you can just see their ribs. Foals should be monitored closely and feed adjusted if weight increase is too rapid. Legs should also be checked regularly for signs of any changes or problems.

Adequate exercise is also important for youngsters as bones need positive stimulation to grow. Ideally they should be out all the time, but if you can only turn out during the day then use smaller paddocks if possible.

Limit the energy intake of youngsters if they become 'overtopped'. This may involve weaning earlier than usual, or restricting hard feed and/or their intake of lush grass.

The Foal
One of the key factors affecting the growth of the foal, both inside the mare's womb and in the first few months, is the nutrition of the mare.

It is important that that the mare receives a balanced diet throughout pregnancy, and that in the last three months her increased requirements are met. Either Stud Mix or Stud Pencils can be used in the three months prior to foaling and throughout lactation.

The foal should be happily eating forage and concentrate feed before weaning is considered. Once the foal starts showing interest in the mare's feed, you can start to offer him feed of his own. Stud Mix is ideal, because it is tempting and palatable, as well as providing all the nutrients the foal requires. It also means that the owner with only one mare and foal can offer them the same feed.

On large yards or where a pelleted feed is required then Foal Pellets are also suitable. As a general guide, Thoroughbred foals will require a daily amount of about 1lb (0.45kg) of concentrate feed per month of age in their first winter. In other words, a three month old foal will need up to about 3lb of Foal Pellets or Stud Mix per day. Native breeds in particular may need considerably less than this.

If only low levels of compound feed are given, so as to avoid excess condition, then a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement should be used to ensure that vitamin and mineral levels are sufficient.

It almost goes without saying that good quality hay or other forage should be provided, and will usually make up about 40 per cent of the total diet.

Weaning
One of the most traumatic and stressful events in any horse's life is weaning. This usually takes place when the foal is about six months old, and if not managed well, can cause a major setback in the youngster's development, possibly with lasting effects.

For foals born late in the year - from August onwards - it may be better to wait until the spring before weaning. For foals being weaned in the autumn, it is important that the process is well managed and that the foal is happily eating both forage and concentrate feed.

It is in the foal's first year that the majority of its growth takes place. As a rough guide foals are born at 10 per cent of their adult weight and will reach 60 per cent of their adult weight by the time they are twelve months old. They will also have attained 90 per cent of their mature height and 95 per cent of their bone growth by this stage.

Yearlings
Quantities fed to yearlings will depend on the quality of grass and forage available, but by this stage, growth rates have slowed down, muscle is developed and fat is laid down, with feeding reflecting this.

Overfeeding will produce excess fat, which means more weight for young limbs to carry around. As a general guide, yearlings will require up to about 50 per cent of their total diet as concentrate feed, though this should be modified according to condition.

As young horses approach their third year, most of their growth is complete, and they can now be moved off the more high powered stud or youngstock feeds to feeds such as Hacking Mix or Quiet Mix or Calm & Condition.

Having followed these few basic principles, you can rest assured that nutritionally at least, you have given your youngstock the very best start in life.

Information kindly provided by Allen & Page
Norfolk Mill, Shipdham, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 7SD.
Tel: +44(0)1362 822900
Fax: +44(01362 822910
Email: sales@allenandpage.co.uk
Website: www.allenandpage.com

	Foal Pellets - ideal for fast growing thoroughbreds and foals needing to gain weight. The inclusion of Protexin Probiotics may help overcome the stressful effects pf travel, foaling and weaning. Feed 1lb (0.5kg) per day per month of age, for TB foals - natives and warmbloods may need less OIL 4.50 PRO 17.25 FIB7.00 Estimated DE 13.00
The vitamin and mineral supplment in these feeds provides Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Copper, Elenium, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Nicotinic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamins B1,B2,B6,B12,Biotin,Iodine,Cobalt,Iron,Manganese, Zinc & Magnesium
	Yearling Pencils -designed as a follow-on after Foal Pellets, from weaning up to two years. Yearling pencils can also be used for mature horses lacking condition. Making up 40-60% of total feed intake, Yearling Pencils are ideas for weanlings, yearlings, two-year-olds, and youngsters being prepared for yearling sales. OIL 5.00 PRO15.00 FIB7.50 Estimated DE 12.50