THE MARE PRIOR TO COVERING
Research has shown that a rising plane of nutrition can benefit conception rates, and that mares that are significantly over or under weight are less likely to conceive. As changes to a mare’s condition can take a long time, it is important to make dietary adjustments several months in advance. A condition score of 4 – 5 (using the American system of 1-9) at the time of covering is the ideal body score.
The overweight mare requires a strict calorie controlled diet but with a balance of protein, minerals and vitamins to maintain health and condition. Stud Balancer is ideal for weight control in mares as it provides all the required nutrients to maintain health - without extra calories. Developed to complement other products from the Baileys Stud Range, it is suitable for feeding all year round to mares and growing youngstock.
Alternatively, for first time mares, Baileys Lo-Cal balancer is a nutrient dense, low energy pellet designed for good doers that can be introduced prior to covering to promote good health without resulting in further weight gain. It is ideal for native pony breeds which are prone to being overweight, however, when the mare is in foal and lactating, Stud Balancer is recommended as it is specifically designed for mares and youngstock.
The underweight mare requires a conditioning feed to promote weight gain. Baileys No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes or No.17 Top Line Conditioning Mix contain highly digestible ingredients, so are particularly beneficial for mares that lose weight due to stress, anxiety or over-exuberant behaviour.
For more information on Body Condition Scoring, please call us on 0034 951247113.
Baileys Horse Feeds, Los Montecillos s/n, Coín, MÁLAGA, Spain
Tel: 0034 951247113 Email: info@baileyshorsefeeds.es
Tel: 0034 951247113 Email: info@baileyshorsefeeds.es