From: Comparing microbiotas of foals and their mares’ milk in the first two weeks after birth
Farm | Housing/pastures | Nutrition |
---|---|---|
A | Days 0–7: Housed in stalls Days 7–15: Housed in stalls and/or dirt pens depending upon weather | Commercial pelleted feed (12–14% protein, 6–16% fiber with vitamins and minerals); No more than 50% alfalfa hay with teff hay as the remainder. Amount fed based upon body condition score of lactating mare |
B | Days 0–3: Housed in stalls Days 3–15: Housed in stalls overnight. Stall fed in the mornings and evenings with pasture management between stall feedings | In stall twice daily: 3.8 L volume of barley, corn, electrolytes, vegetable oil, flaxseed; 5 kg alfalfa hay. In pasture: abundant pasture, elevated feeders with free choice alfalfa |