Feeding Foals

It is important that foals receive colostrum within 4 hours of birth. It is unlikely a foal will survive if it does not receive colostrum. If colostrum is not available from the mare, Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum should be fed. Jump-Start™ is available from your rural retailer.

Ensure clean fresh water is available from day 1, and from first week high protein, high energy pellets should be offered.

Feeding recommendations

Lamb milk replacer (LMR) should be mixed at 100 grams per litre of water, and the feeding guide below should be followed. DO NOT increase the concentration (100gm/litre), however volumes may vary depending on the size and strength of the foal.

IMPORTANT: These tables are a guide only. Feed requirements vary between 21% and 25% of bodyweight. If in doubt contact your vet.

Horse

Age of foal	Feeds per day	Quantity per feed (mls)	Lamb milk replacer (LMR) per feed (gms)	Total volume per day (l)
Up to 2 weeks	12	900	90	10.8
2-6 weeks	12	1100	110	13.2
6-12 weeks	8	1300	130	10.4
12-21 weeks	6	1500	150	9

 

Pony

Age of foal	Feeds per day	Quantity per feed (mls)	Lamb milk replacer (LMR) per feed (gms)	Total volume per day (l)
Up to 2 weeks	12	720	70	8.6
2-6 weeks	12	1000	100	10
6-12 weeks	8	1100	110	8.8
12-21 weeks	6	1300	130	7.8

From 21 weeks the amount of milk should be gradually reduced over a 3 week period. Ensure that the foal is strong and consuming adequate amounts of foal pellets and soft hay.