If your broodmare is not producing milk (a condition known as **agalactia**), it can be a serious issue, as the foal depends on colostrum and milk for essential nutrients and antibodies in the first few hours and days of life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
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### **1. Assess the Situation**
– **Check for Milk Production**: Gently palpate the mare’s udder to see if there is any swelling or milk. Look for signs of milk leakage or dripping.
– **Observe the Foal**: If the foal is not nursing or appears weak, it may indicate a lack of milk.
– **Check for Colostrum**: Colostrum is the first milk, rich in antibodies, and is critical for the foal’s immune system. If the mare is not producing colostrum, the foal is at risk of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunity.
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### **2. Ensure the Foal Receives Colostrum**
– **Colostrum Replacement**: If the mare is not producing colostrum, you must provide the foal with a colostrum replacement product or donor colostrum within the first **6–12 hours** of birth. After 24 hours, the foal’s ability to absorb antibodies decreases significantly.
– **Donor Colostrum**: Use colostrum from another mare if available. Ensure the donor mare is healthy and has been vaccinated.
– **Blood Test**: Have your veterinarian test the foal’s blood (IgG test) to confirm whether it has received adequate antibodies.
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### **3. Address the Mare’s Health**
– **Contact Your Veterinarian**: Agalactia can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, mastitis, or systemic illness. A vet can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment.
– **Hormonal Therapy**: In some cases, veterinarians may administer oxytocin or other hormones to stimulate milk production.
– **Treat Mastitis**: If the mare’s udder is inflamed or infected (mastitis), it may inhibit milk production. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary.
– **Nutrition**: Ensure the mare is on a high-quality diet with adequate calories, protein, and minerals to support lactation.
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### **4. Provide Alternative Nutrition for the Foal**
– **Milk Replacer**: If the mare cannot produce milk, you will need to feed the foal a mare’s milk replacer. These are commercially available and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of foals.
– **Bottle or Bucket Feeding**: Feed the foal every **1–2 hours** initially, gradually reducing the frequency as it grows. Follow the instructions on the milk replacer product.
– **Monitor Growth**: Ensure the foal is gaining weight and developing normally. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
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### **5. Consider a Nurse Mare**
– If the mare cannot produce milk and bottle-feeding is not feasible, you may consider using a **nurse mare** (a lactating mare that can adopt the foal). This is often the best option for the foal’s social and nutritional development.
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### **6. Prevent Future Issues**
– **Pre-Breeding Health Check**: Ensure the mare is in good health before breeding.
– **Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy**: Provide a balanced diet throughout pregnancy to support milk production.
– **Monitor for Complications**: Watch for signs of stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and after foaling.
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### **7. Work Closely with Your Veterinarian**
– Agalactia can have serious consequences for the foal, so it’s crucial to involve your vet early. They can help diagnose the cause, provide treatment, and guide you in caring for the foal.
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### **Key Takeaways**
– Act quickly to ensure the foal receives colostrum and adequate nutrition.
– Identify and address the underlying cause of the mare’s lack of milk.
– Use milk replacers or a nurse mare if necessary.
– Work with your veterinarian to monitor the health of both the mare and foal.
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