The Orphaned Foal

Nutrition issues

- Hannah Botha

No matter if you are a small, private breeder or a larger, commercial farm, at some point, it is likely that you will need to deal with an orphan foal. A foal may be orphaned due to the death of the mare, or due to various illnesses that can affect the mare, and that may lead to her having to be separated for health reasons. Whatever the reason, dealing with an orphan foal can be hugely challenging.

Although studies have shown that during the first three months orphaned foals can be at a disadvantage compared to those who have not experienced such trauma, it has been found that with careful management and adjustment to their overall diet, orphaned foals can ultimately reach their full potential.

COLOSTRUM

While foals are born with an intact immune system, they are not born with any circulating antibodies that can fight infection. In humans, when babies are born, they already have antibodies that have been derived from the mother’s bloodstream. The same does not happen in horses. This leaves the foal open to infection from the environment if colostrum is not received. This is why colostrum, the first milk from the mother that contains all of the antibodies, is so important.

Colostrum is an extremely important element in ensuring a successful outcome for orphaned foals. They will experience a large amount of stress during their early life, and as with all foals, colostrum is vital for ensuring they receive plenty of antibodies for a strong immune system. The foal must drink and absorb colostrum within the first 12 to 24 hours of life (ideally within the first eight hours), as, during this period, the gastrointestinal tract is able to absorb the most immunoglobulins (antibodies).