Foals nurse from their mothers. This behavior is essential for their development and survival. Nursing provides essential nutrition, supporting initial growth and immune system development.
How Foals Nurse
Nursing begins shortly after a foal is born. A healthy foal attempts to stand within 30 minutes to an hour and should nurse within two hours of birth. During this time, the foal instinctively seeks the mare’s udder, often nudging and exploring until it latches on.
The first milk, colostrum, is a thick, yellowish fluid produced by the mare in late pregnancy. Colostrum is distinct from regular milk, containing higher concentrations of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Foals nurse frequently in their first few days, with sessions occurring 7 to 10 times per hour, each lasting 60 to 90 seconds. As they grow, the frequency and duration of nursing sessions may decrease.
Significance for Foal Health and Growth
Nursing is important for a foal’s health, primarily due to the unique composition of colostrum. Foals are born without antibodies, as these do not transfer across the placenta during gestation. Colostrum provides these infection-fighting antibodies, predominantly immunoglobulin G (IgG), which are absorbed into the foal’s bloodstream, a process known as passive immunity. This passive transfer of immunity protects the foal from environmental pathogens during its first weeks of life until its own immune system matures.
The absorption of these antibodies is most efficient within the first 6 to 12 hours after birth, significantly decreasing after 12 hours and becoming minimal by 24 hours. Beyond immunity, mare’s milk delivers necessary nutrients for rapid growth and hydration. This rich nutritional intake supports the development of the foal’s digestive system. Nursing also facilitates bonding between the mare and foal, with visual, auditory, and olfactory cues aiding mutual recognition.
The Weaning Transition
Weaning marks the progression where a foal gradually transitions from milk to solid food. This process is not abrupt but a gradual shift. Foals naturally begin to nibble on forage and concentrate feeds alongside nursing as early as a few weeks after birth.
Weaning in horses typically occurs between 4 and 7 months, though in natural settings it can extend to 9 to 11 months. As the foal grows, its nutritional requirements eventually exceed what the mare’s milk alone can provide, prompting an increased intake of solid feed. During this transition, both the mare and foal undergo behavioral changes as the mare’s milk production naturally declines and the foal’s independence increases.