There are clostrum replacements on the market today that can be administered to the foal by iv or orally. A plasma transfer that can supply the newborn foal with antibodies can be performed if the foal is 12 hours or older and has not received adequate colostrum from its Dam. It is far better to be on hand when the foal is born to make first-hand observations and to take the necessary steps if required. A foal is usually up and nursing within the first 2 hours. The Foal often begins to struggle to its feet within 10-15 minutes after birth.
Most births are without incidence, and are extremely rewarding to everyone concerned.
Some people equate tough bags that cannot be broken during birth with fescue grass that contains the endophyte fungus. It is certainly worthwhile to investigate the type of grass in your pasture and in hay that is being fed to pregnant mares. There is a new type of fescue that is said to be endophyte-free now and that may be worth considering. Some breeders switch to alfalfa or timothy three months before the mare is due to foal. Consult with feed and seed suppliers before planning or confirming your nutritional program.