Pony questions

Question
Hello. What do you advise to feed a 10H pony  we just bought that is pregnent?( We dont know how far along, just discovered her nipples slighly enlarged and can milk out a little / the stomach is showing some)
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Korie,

It depends on how heavy she is right now as to what I would advise feeding her.  If she's overweight already, I would suggest feeding a light feed formulated for horses who are overweight.  By doing this she could still get the nutrients she needs being pregnant.  I would also add a mare vitamin supplement for pregnant/lactating mares.  If you think she is within 3 months of delivery (which it sounds like she's much closer if she's developing an udder already) then you need to take her off of fescue grass due to a fungus that causes the fescue to be toxic to pregnant mares.  The effects of fescue grass includes lack of milk production and thickening of the sac that the fetus lives in, which will it make it harder for the baby to break through and breath when the baby is delivered if unassisted.    Baby's have suffocated due to this.  It can also cause prolonged gestation.  (If you suspect she's close to foaling then you can contact your vet and get a paste called equidone or domperidone that you give for 10 days prior to suspected foaling date to "counteract" the effects of fescue toxicity.) If she's not overweight I would feed a mare and foal formulated feed which is high in protein and contains vitamins specifically for the pregnant mare.  I would still add the pregnant mare vitamin supplement.  As far as rations, It's hard to say without seeing the mare.  I would start her out with less than you think, if she's an easy keeper and overweight, I would feed her just enough to add her vitamin supplement 2xday.  If she's a hard keeper, then I would give her about 1/2 grain 2xday with supplement.  She should also get quality fescue free hay if she's not on fescue free grass.  Hope this helps, good luck with your mare and expectant baby!

Regards, Jessica