British Breeder May 2023

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Feed Article - Dodson & Horrell Nutrition for Colostrum and Milk Quality Emma Nissler BSc (Hons), Nutritional Manager, Dodson & Horrell Colostrum is the first milk that the mare produces to feed her foal, typically producing 2-5 litres within the first 12-24 hours after birth1. It is extremely nutritious, with higher levels of fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and sugars than her normal milk. Colostrum is essential for the foal’s health and wellbeing, as it provides passive immunity via the provision of immunoglobulins (also known as antibodies) and acts as a laxative to help the foal pass their first stool. Colostrum also promotes intestinal absorption of macromolecules and provides leukocytes (white blood cells) that act as protection in the neonatal digestive tract2. Immunoglobulins are the building blocks of proteins used by the foal’s immune system to fight infection. Unlike other species, immunoglobulins are not transferred from the mare to the foal during pregnancy due to the characteristics of the placenta (epitheliochorial). This means that the foal is born with no infection-fighting antibodies in their blood; therefore, they are more susceptible to infection caused by viruses and bacteria in the environment. With this in mind, foals must consume colostrum to receive the immunoglobulins they need through passive transfer. The foal’s digestive system is permeable to complete protein molecules, such as immunoglobulins, for the first 24 hours of life. After the initial 24 hours, the foal’s digestive system loses permeability, and so it is vital that a newborn foal receives the colostrum well within the first 24 hours (ideally within 6-8 hours). This maternal immunity typically lasts 6-12 weeks, at which point the foal’s immune system should be functioning and producing its own protection3. Colostrum and milk quality is shown to be directly affected by the nutrition of the mare throughout gestation. It is important to ensure broodmares are suitably fed, maintaining a healthy body condition by receiving appropriate nutrition in accordance with her increased requirements. Carefully monitoring the mare throughout pregnancy and lactation ensures neither excess weight nor an unhealthy weight loss occurs, using a weighbridge or weigh tape and fat scoring every 2 weeks. During lactation, energy requirements are almost double compared to early pregnancy or a mare at maintenance. The increased energy demand is associated with the body producing milk4, and so early lactation is the time of highest demand when the mare produces large volumes of milk to support her rapidly growing foal. As well as an increase in energy, the mare’s protein requirements triple compared to requirements when not in foal. The mare’s increased requirements for protein are due to the vast amount of protein passing to her milk. Broodmares are able to convert approximately 35-40% of their crude protein intake into milk protein, depending on the protein quality, and so sources of protein that are palatable and contain a healthy balance of amino acids are desirable. Raw materials such as barley, oats and linseed are all high in protein but are lacking one or more essential amino acids. Soybean meal contains all of the essential amino acids required for health and development, and is therefore, a useful protein for broodmares. Lysine is the major limiting amino acid as it is the most absent in the horse’s diet, so ensuring the mares ration contains sufficient levels of lysine is desired. For a 500kg horse, recommendations are for a minimum intake of 34.3g per day during the final 3 months of gestation, and up to a maximum of 84.8g per day during the first 3 months of lactation4. If the mare isn’t receiving sufficient protein throughout gestation and during lactation she will naturally mobilise her own protein reserves, causing a loss of muscular coverage and a decrease in her milk production. 38 | BRITISH BREEDER
Feed Article - Dodson & Horrell Alongside suitable energy and protein sources, research indicates that colostrum and milk quality can be supported with additional supplementation. Some studies have examined the effect of vitamin and mineral supplementation of pregnant mares on the passive transfer of immunoglobulins to neonatal foals, with immunoglobulin G (IgG) used as an indicator of passive immunity gained from colostrum. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient in support of the horse’s immune system and is readily used within breeding nutrition. Inadequate intake during pregnancy and lactation can have a direct effect, causing deficiency in her foal from birth to one month of age1. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation supports an increase in colostral and serum IgG levels3, providing immune support for both mare and foal. Minerals that are vital for overall health include calcium and phosphorus. Calcium supports the skeletal system, and so during lactation there is an increased demand to ensure optimum growth and development of the suckling foal. The NRC4 states that calcium requirements for lactating mares increase by 1.8-2.8 times above a horse at maintenance, as well as phosphorus requirements increasing by 1.7-2.7 times maintenance. To ensure the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1, choosing a specifically formulated feed, tailored to breeding, is recommended. is shown to be considerably higher in vitamin E than preserved forages, and so when less pasture is available, researchers recommend supplementing rations with vitamin E. Ensuring good quality colostrum and milk in broodmares can be daunting, with many factors to consider. The quality of the colostrum is vital for immunity of the foal, whilst milk quality is vital for postpartum growth and development. Appropriate, well-balanced nutrition of the broodmare that meets nutrient demand is therefore important throughout gestation and lactation. Research indicates that supplementing the mare with specific ingredients can have a positive effect on the foal’s intestinal health and absorption of essential nutrients2. Selecting scientifically formulated feeds specifically tailored to the requirements of breeding stock is the simplest way of ensuring your foals have the best start in life. In addition to this, supplementing mares with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (yeast) were shown to result in higher IgG concentrations in foal serum, which indicated that foals had improved intestinal health and therefore, improved absorption2. The intestinal microbiota in early life stages can impact metabolic health, growth, and behaviour. The foal’s microbiome is shown to influence the risk of resistance to internal parasites, metabolic syndrome and colic throughout their life5. There is also evidence to show that colostral IgG concentrations were increased in mares that were supplemented with beta-glucans for the final month of gestation2. Pasture is considered to be the most desired source of forage for pregnant and lactating mares. It provides an improved source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals in comparison to preserved forages such as hay. Although it is a great source of nutrients in support of broodmare health and milk quality, pasture may not be available. During the winter months grazing is sparse and nutrient concentrations are low, meaning they are consuming more preserved hay and less pasture. Pasture References 1. Lawrence, L.M. (2013). Feeding Stallions and Broodmares. In: Geor. R.J, Harris. P.A, Coenen. M (Eds). Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition. Amsterdam: pp. 236-240. 2. Sobral, G.G., Gomes-Neto, O.C., & Carneiro, G.F. (2022). Effect of Supplementation with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and glucans to Mares During Late Gestation on Colostrum and Passive Transfer of Immunity in Foals. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 121 (November/December): 104-168. 3. Davies-Morel, M. (2021). Lactation. In: Davies-Morel. M (Ed). Equine Reproductive Physiology, Breeding and Stud Management: Fifth Edition. United Kingdom: pp. 86-94. 4. National Research Council. (2007). Tables: Nutrient Requirement Tables. In: National Research Council (Eds). Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition. Washington, DC. pp. 298. 5. Robles, M., Hammer, C., Staniar, B., & Chavatte-Palmer, P. (2021). Nutrition of Broodmares. Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice, 37: 177-205. Dodson & Horrell Ltd Aston Mill, Wrenbury Road, Aston Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8DH United Kingdom Tel: 01270 782 236 enquiries@dodsonandhorrell.com www.dodsonandhorrell.com BRITISH BREEDER| 39
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British Breeder May 2023

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