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If it is not possible to find a foster mother for a motherless foal by contacting an organization that deals with such problems, the foal must then be raised by means of artificial methods. This article addresses the feeding of these foals with colostral milk, diluted cow's milk and milk formulas.
Colostral milk
For success in raising the foal, it is extremely important that [lie young animal receive colostral milk since colostral milk contains a high level of proteins, vitamins and minerals and also helps to dispel the meconium. Even more important, however, are the antibodies transferred this way from the mare to her offspring, During pregnancy, no transfer of antibodies has occurred. When receiving colostral milk, the foal is thus being protected against pathogenic organisms. However, the blood of the maternal animal contains only antibodies to fight the pathogenic organisms to which she has been exposed. This means that colostral milk from the mother of another foal from the same stables is more valuable to the motherless foal than the colostral milk from a mare living elsewhere since an entirely different assortment of bacteria, can occur there. Nevertheless, when no colostral milk is available at the same stables, it is still a good idea to obtain it elsewhere. Although its protective value is somewhat diminished, it provides other advantages. Another way to locate colostral milk is to call the stallion owner to see if perhaps another mare has just given birth. The more frequently a small quantity of colostral milk is given (150 grams every hour during the first 24 hours after birth), the more chance of success in raising the foal.
Diluted cow's milk
If it is impossible to locate any colostral milk, the veterinary can inject the foal with equines serum that is composed of blood and antibiotics. If necessary the veterinary will also administer a laxative to expel the meconium. Afterward, the foal can be given lukewarm diluted cow's milk. At first, - to - liter should be given every two hours. The proportion of cow's milk to water will be 2:1 while 1 full tablespoon of sugar should be added to every liter of this mixture. Equine milk contains 2/3 the protein content of cow's milk, but its fat con -tent is scarcely half to one-third that of cow's milk, and its sugar content is higher. The cow's milk used to feed a foal should be taken from a newly calved cow and should contain a low percentage of fat.
Milk formulas
Also available for motherless foals are milk formulas. A good milk mixture can be made by combining 1 ounce of this power with one quart of lukewarm water. This mixture then requires no additional diluting. A foal will drink a total of 3 liters every 24 hours for the first week. This quantity will increase to 6 liters every day toward the end of the second week. Gradually, the quantity will increase to about 15 liters a day while the periods between meals will increase in length. Until a foal is 1 to 2 months old, it should be fed 4 times a day and thereafter 3 times a day. Once the foal is 1 or 2 months old, the addition of water to the milk mixture can gradually be omitted. By the time the foal is 10 to 12 weeks old, the cow's milk can gradually be replaced by cultured skimmed milk.
Animal protein
The protein in equine milk contains more albumin than that of cow's milk. For this
The Motherless Foal Organization in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there has been a Motherless Foal Organization since 1959. This organization can be called upon day or night. Every year, it receives 300 calls from mare owners and about 200 calls from foal owners. Attempts are thus made to bring these mares and foals living in the same region into contact with one another The central organization also takes into consideration the breed and type of horse and, of course, the wishes of the owners. Telephone numbers are exchanged and when these activities have been successful, those involved are obliged to inform the central organization. If a foal cannot be placed immediately with a foster mother, the Motherless Foal Organization can also offer information about milk formulas that newly born foals must receive. The reason, it is advisable to add animal protein to the grain feed that the foal is receiving in addition to the milk mixture. Commonly used as a grain feed is chick starter 1. This produces excellent results.
Even as early as 4 to 7 days of age, the foal should be encouraged to eat a little grain- based food. This can be done by putting a little of this in the bottom of the pail of milk mixture or by putting a little on your finger and letting the foal suck on it. Next, the unmixed grain feed can be placed in a container freely accessible to the foal so he can eat as much of it as he wants. Naturally, the young animal will also have unlimited access to drinking water if necessary. Soon, the foal will learn to eat hay as well. Hay of good quality that has not fermented too much should be available at all times.
During the period spent in the stable, the foal is also given a small quantity of red beets and/or sugar beets. Feeds that could swell up inside the intestines and stomach such as dry pulp must not be given.
A warm environment
For the first two days of its life, the foal should be accommodated in a warm environment. This temperature can gradually be diminished. To keep the foal warm, a heat lamp can be employed and then hung gradually higher above the foal. For foals in a weaker condition, administering vitamins containing an AD3 preparation would be advisable 2 or 3 days after birth. You can also ask the veterinary to inject the young animal during its first day of life with a serum and vitamin preparation. If rachitic symptoms later occur, consult the veterinary.
Obviously, the foal should be given the opportunity for exercise and should be out in the pasture during favorable weather. Worm infestations should be prevented. For this reason the foal should not be taken to a stable or pasture being used by other foals or horses.
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