To guard against FPT, collect colostrum from mares that have normal births and adequate colostrum. Six to eight ounces of colostrum can be collected from a mare and frozen in locking plastic bags. When the colostrum is needed, it should be defrosted slowly in a warm water bath. These solutions increase the cost of raising horses for many producers, but, if endophyte infections are present, they must be considered. Mares carrying colts tend to have a longer gestation.
Milk production varies between mares and various breeds.
Mares bred to foal early in the year tend to gestate longer than mares bred to foal later in the year. A record of your mare' s past foaling history will help determine if she is having a normal birth. Return to Table of Contents Medical Treatments Clinical studies of mares affected by fescue have taken several different directions. In every case, the status of the work is experimental. When these same amounts were fed to horses, they experienced an increased sensitivity to pain, behavioral changes, and signs of colic.