Practical Feeding Strategies & Common Mistakes for Broodmares – Part 5

Welcome to the final installment of our broodmare nutrition series! We’ve covered the theory, the nutrients, and the specific needs of each reproductive stage. Now let’s bring it all together with practical, real-world feeding strategies, troubleshooting tips, and the most common mistakes to avoid. This is where knowledge becomes action!

The Forage-First Philosophy

Regardless of production stage, forage should form the foundation of every broodmare’s diet. Horses evolved as continuous grazers, and their digestive physiology is optimized for high-forage diets. This isn’t just theory—it’s the key to digestive health, behavioral wellness, and successful reproduction.

Why Forage First?

• Supports healthy digestive function and gut microbiome
• Provides steady energy release without metabolic spikes
• Reduces stereotypies and vices associated with concentrate-heavy diets
• Supplies essential fiber for gut motility
• Keeps horses occupied, reducing stress

Invest in Hay Analysis

Forage quality varies tremendously based on species, maturity at cutting, storage conditions, and growing conditions. A forage analysis costs $20-40 and provides invaluable information about digestible energy, protein content, and mineral composition.

What you’ll learn:

• Whether your hay alone can meet energy and protein needs
• Calcium and phosphorus content (critical for mineral balance)
• What supplements are actually needed vs. wasted money
• Whether you need to add alfalfa or can use grass hay alone

How to do it: Contact your local agricultural extension office or search for “forage testing laboratory” in your region. Most labs provide sample bags and instructions.

Choosing the Right Feeds

Commercial Feeds: What to Look For

For most broodmare operations, commercial mare and foal feeds represent the most practical choice. They’re convenient, consistent, and eliminate the guesswork of balancing minerals and vitamins. But not all feeds are created equal.

Key features to look for:

• Specific labeling: Look for “mare and foal,” “broodmare,” or “breeding stock” labels
• Lysine content: Should specify lysine levels (indicates attention to protein quality)
• Trace minerals: Check copper (100-250 mg/kg) and zinc (400-700 mg/kg) levels
• Digestible energy: Should be 2.8-3.5 Mcal/kg for lactation support
• Protein content: 14-16% for lactation, 12-14% for late pregnancy

Red flag: Generic “sweet feeds” or feeds labeled simply as “horse feed” typically don’t provide adequate nutrition for reproductive horses.

When Custom Rations Make Sense

Larger operations or those with specific management goals may benefit from custom rations formulated by an equine nutritionist. Custom rations allow precise tailoring to specific forage types, regional mineral deficiencies, and individual mare requirements.

Consider custom formulation if:

• You manage 10+ broodmares (economy of scale makes it worthwhile)
• You have forage analysis showing specific deficiencies or excesses
• Regional issues require special attention (selenium deficiency/excess, high-iron water)
• You want to optimize feed costs while maintaining quality

Body Condition Scoring: Your Best Management Tool

Body condition scoring is your primary feedback mechanism for evaluating feeding success. The Henneke Body Condition Scoring system uses a 1-9 scale where 1 is emaciated and 9 is extremely obese.

How to Score Consistently

Body condition scoring involves visual appraisal and palpation of six key areas: neck, withers, shoulder, ribs, loin, and tailhead. The key is consistency—ideally, have the same person perform all assessments using the same technique.

BCS 5 (Moderate – Your Target):

• Ribs not visible but easily felt with light pressure
• Withers rounded, not prominent
• Shoulder blends smoothly into body
• Back is level
• Tailhead smooth and fat can be felt around it

Target Scores Throughout Reproduction

• Breeding/Early pregnancy: BCS 5-6
• Late pregnancy: BCS 6-7 (slight increase provides reserves)
• Early lactation: BCS 5-6 (loss of 0.5-1 score acceptable)
• Post-weaning: BCS 5-6 before next breeding

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Overfeeding Early Pregnancy

The problem: Increasing feed as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, leading to obesity

The fix: Feed for maintenance during months 1-8. Only increase feed if the mare loses condition.

Mistake #2: Inadequate Nutrition in Late Pregnancy

The problem: Not increasing feed during the final trimester when the fetus grows rapidly

The fix: Introduce or increase concentrates starting at month 9. Mare should gain 0.5-1 BCS by foaling.

Mistake #3: Underfeeding Lactation

The problem: Not appreciating how demanding lactation is; mares lose excessive condition

The fix: Don’t be timid—lactation requires nearly double the feed. If the mare drops below BCS 4, increase immediately.

Mistake #4: Improper Calcium:Phosphorus Ratios

The problem: Grain-heavy diets without calcium balance create inverted ratios

The fix: Balance high-grain diets with alfalfa hay or calcium supplements. Aim for 2:1 Ca:P ratio.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Trace Minerals

The problem: Assuming hay and grain provide adequate copper, zinc, and selenium

The fix: Use quality commercial feeds at recommended rates OR provide a targeted mineral supplement.

Mistake #6: Feeding Large Meals

The problem: Feeding 3-4 kg concentrate in one meal increases digestive upset and colic risk

The fix: Never exceed 2 kg per meal. Divide daily concentrate into 3-4 feedings during lactation.

Mistake #7: Inadequate Water Access

The problem: Frozen, dirty, or insufficient water sources reduce intake and milk production

The fix: Check water sources multiple times daily. Use heated buckets in winter. Keep water clean and fresh.

Special Situations

Maiden Mares

Young mares bred as three- or four-year-olds are still growing themselves. Feed them as growing horses with added allowances for pregnancy—typically 10-20% more than mature mares. Monitor closely during lactation as they face dual demands of growth and milk production.

Senior Mares (15+ years)

Older mares may struggle with dental issues and reduced metabolic efficiency. Schedule twice-yearly dental exams. Consider soaked hay cubes or senior feeds if chewing is difficult. Senior mares may need 20-30% more feed to maintain condition compared to younger mares.

Mares with Metabolic Issues

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or PPID require modified management. Use low-NSC (starch and sugar) feeds and hays. Restrict grazing, particularly on lush spring pasture. Work closely with your veterinarian to balance metabolic management with the high demands of reproduction.

Warning Signs Something’s Wrong

Watch for these red flags that indicate nutritional problems:

• Rapid weight loss (more than 1 BCS in 4-6 weeks)
• Dull, rough coat that doesn’t shed properly
• Poor hoof quality—cracks, slow growth, weak horn
• Thin, watery milk or decreased milk production
• Foal not growing adequately (should gain 1-1.5 kg daily early on)
• Lethargy or decreased performance
• Frequent infections or poor wound healing

Action step: If you notice any of these signs, consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist promptly. Early intervention prevents long-term problems.

Final Thoughts: Success Through Attention

Successful broodmare nutrition isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail and willingness to adjust your approach based on individual mare needs. No single feeding program works for all operations or all mares. The guidelines we’ve covered throughout this series provide a framework, but success comes from observation, monitoring, and thoughtful adjustments.

Key principles to remember:

• Feed conservatively during early pregnancy
• Increase substantially during late pregnancy and lactation
• Always prioritize quality forage
• Don’t neglect trace minerals, especially copper and zinc
• Use body condition score as your guide
• Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water

Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance when needed. Equine veterinarians and certified equine nutritionists can provide valuable insights into your specific situation. The investment in professional consultation is minimal compared to the potential costs of nutritional mistakes.

Thank you for following this series! We hope these articles have provided you with practical knowledge to improve your broodmare management and produce healthy, thriving foals. Here’s to successful breeding seasons ahead!

Complete Series Now Available

Download our comprehensive Broodmare Nutrition Guide (PDF) containing all five parts of this series plus feeding charts, supplement guides, and troubleshooting resources. Free download!

Review the Complete Series:

• Part 1: Broodmare Nutrition Basics
• Part 2: Late Pregnancy Nutrition
• Part 3: Feeding the Lactating Mare
• Part 4: Essential Nutrients for Broodmares
• Part 5: Practical Strategies & Common Mistakes (You are here)

Further Reading

• NRC (National Research Council) – Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 6th Revised Edition
• American Association of Equine Practitioners resources on broodmare care
• University extension publications from equine programs (Kentucky, Virginia Tech, UC Davis)

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