Up to a few weeks prior to foaling the mare’s udder will develop (Known as ‘bagging up’). Within a few days of foaling drips of fluid may form as wax on the tips of the teats. This is called ‘waxing-up’. The ligaments of the hindquarters around the tail head tend to soften closer to foaling. Some mares show no signs that foaling is imminent, so it is important to monitor them closely around their due date even if they do not look ready to foal. Mares can foal at any time of the day but the most common time is between 11 pm at night and 4 am in the morning. The foaling process is rapid. It is important to make regular checks on mares during the night when they are due to foal even if CCTV or foaling alarms are used. Foaling alarms can be rented per week.
Preparing To Foal & Onset Of Labour.
Stage 1.
The mare usually paces around the stable more than normal. She may repeatedly look back at her flanks, swishing her tail. The mare will start to feel warm, and many mares will sweat. She may pace around or walk in circles and will appear to be distracted from her normal behaviour. Mares will frequently stop their restless pacing and paw the bedding then begin pacing again. Most mares have a number of bowel movements in the hours just prior to foaling. Generally these are rather loose. The mares also urinate frequently. Usually as the labour gets closer, the mares will lay down for short periods of time up to about one minute, then get up. She will move about for a little while and then lay down again. She may lay flat out, on her side or may keep her head up. She may also roll. Rolling a few times is not cause for alarm, however, if it continues it could indicate that the mare is attempting to reposition the foal. We view rolling carefully and watch the mare to see what occurs next and mark the time when the rolling started to have a point of reference. Many mares repeatedly yawn or show a flehmen display (curl their upper lip) in the in the hours just preceding foaling.
"Observing the foaling with minimal disturbance to the mare is essential."
Phone the vet immediately if:
• The mare has lost any colostrum/milk from the udder before foaling
• The foal is born prior to 320 days pregnancy
• The mare is in Stage 2 labour (Continuous straining) for more than 20 minutes without any sign of a foal
• Either the mare or the foal cannot stand after foaling
• There is excessive bleeding from the mare
• The mare fails to expel the afterbirth (placenta) within 3 hours
• The foal fails to suck within 90 minutes of birth
• You are not certain that the foal has received enough colostrum within 6 hours of birth (This is likely to be the case if you do not know what time the foal was born)
• If you are unsure about anything
We recommend a check over by your vet of all foals within 24 hours of birth to check for any
congenital defects such as heart murmur or cleft palate and an examination of the mare to
ensure she is not damaged after foaling.
Once the foal has been born, it will usually stand up within 90 minutes. The mare will probably rise first and break the umbilical cord. Failure to expel all of the placenta and membranes within 6 hours of foaling can lead to toxic infection which may in turn lead to a sudden onset severe laminitis. If you are not certain that ALL of the placenta and membranes have been passed by three hours post foaling, you should ring your vet straight away so we can take steps to make sure they are all out within 6 hours of foaling. Naturally the mare will nuzzle, call and lick the foal. This is the start of a very firm bond. Your mare may be very good to handle usually but be aware that her foal is the most important thing to her. She may become anxious and protective of the foal so take care on entering the stable. Foals become very agile very quickly so do not take their cute looks for granted – they can still kick out and catch you unawares! What should I look for in the first 24 hours?
The mare.
• The afterbirth has been passed within 3 hours. (We recommend you save it in a bucket of water so it can be checked by the vet).
• The mare is allowing the foal to feed.
• The mare is eating and drinking, passing urine and faeces.
• There is no obvious bleeding from her back end or tears in her vulva.
The foal.
• The foal has consumed plenty of colostrum within 6-12 hours of birth.
• The foal is feeding frequently and sleeping in between.
• The first droppings (meconium) have been passed (dark brown in colour). Some
foals (especially colts) can become constipated and this may lead to serious
infection.
• Urine has been passed.
• The umbilicus is not leaking fluid.
Foals are born with an immature immune system as they have been protected from disease whilst in the mare’s uterus. It takes 6-8 weeks for their own immune system to develop to protect them from everyday ‘bugs’. Colostrum produced by the mare is the first milk. It is full of antibodies and energy. The foal can only absorb these antibodies across its intestine in the first 12-24 hours of life. Foals which fail to obtain at least 250ml of colostrum in the first 6-12 hours of life are likely to have unsatisfactory immunity leaving them wide open to infection. Many of these foals die in the first few weeks of life.
The foal may not receive its requirement of antibodies if:
1. The mare drips colostrum from the udder prior to foaling
2. The mare fails to produce enough colostrum – more likely in maiden mares
3. The foal fails to suck quickly or frequently after foaling.
If there is any doubt whatsoever that the foal has received enough colostrum, we
recommend a blood sample at around 24 hours old which gives a rapid result to confirm
that the foal’s level of immunity is satisfactory.
A successful foaling experience is very rewarding. The first sight of a healthy newborn foal cannot be underestimated and is the most fantastic feeling to behold. It cannot emphasize enough the importance of being prepared and vigilant when your mare is due to foal. It is also important to realise that mal-positions (dystocias) of the foal can and do occur during the birthing process. There are a variety of different dystocia situations. It is important to realise that 'time' is of the essence in a successful foaling. Anything that inhibits the delivery of the foal in an expedient manner compromises the chances for the survival of the foal and ultimately the mare. All too often we are accused of being over protective about our horses. In the case of foaling, this is one instance where it is definitely wise to be overly cautious and seek medical assistance early rather than waiting. It could mean the difference between a lively foal racing across the paddock in a few days or a sad memory of a wonderful mare and the great plans that had been anticipated from your very first thoughts of breeding a foal.
We wish you every success in your breeding program and many beautiful, healthy babies.