Horse managers should make a checklist now to ensure that pregnant broodmares will foal as smoothly as possible this spring.
Preparation is a key component of foaling management in terms of easing the birth process on the mare and in making life easier on those who assist, said Dave Freeman, Oklahoma State University co-operative extension equine specialist.
“It’s important a foaling mare not be placed in a strange environment or have a stranger act as night attendant just prior to parturition (foaling),” Freeman said.
“In these instances, a nervous mare often will delay foaling until she becomes relaxed.”
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
A foaling mare should be familiar with her environment and night attendants one or two weeks before her due date.
The foaling area should be clean, have adequate space and be reasonably quiet. A stall should be four by four metres (14 by 14 feet) or larger, and should have clean straw rather than shavings.
A thick bed of straw will reduce dust, decrease the chance for infection and is easier to clean off the mare and foal.
If the mare is going to foal in the pasture, make sure the area is dry, with plenty of grass.
Appropriate lighting
Barn lights should be regulated and not turned on and off at various intervals. Use a flashlight to monitor the mare when checking at night or use a dim light in the stall, just bright enough to see the mare. Observe the mare from outside the foaling area.
Mares with caslick sutures must have them opened well before the expected foaling date. Caslick sutures are used to prevent problems in mares that have abnormal vulva conformation.
“Aside from the obvious foaling difficulties, if these mares are not opened, the owner risks the possibility of oblique tears to the vulva or vagina that are difficult to repair and may result in a deformity that leads to uterine infection,” Freeman said.
Horse owners shouldn’t be too concerned if mares fail to deliver exactly on schedule. Normal gestation is 330 to 350 days but there are variations.
When foaling is imminent, the mare may become irritable and restless. If in a herd, the mare may distance herself from other horses.
Most foaling farms suggest the mare’s tail should be wrapped so it is out of the way if problems develop during foaling.
“Clean four-inch (10 cm) flannel, gauze or derby bandage may be used to wrap the tail,” Freeman said. “Tight elastic wraps such as Ace bandages should not be used because circulation to the tail may be cut off.”
The mare’s udder and vulva should be gently scrubbed with warm water, clean cotton and a mild soap if necessary.
