[bay_blnd jmpr07]

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to give maybe a flake of alfalfa with grass hay during the winter since Fiona is pregnant. Would it help her keep weight on and keep her warmer? Or should I just stick with all grass?

[Paint_luver]

Hmm.. not sure really what would be best for a pregnant mare (no knowledge or experience in that area), but I thought I'd point out that they have some good alfalfa grass mixes too that you might consider as well.

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

I already have a full stall full of grass hay and it's hard to find a mix in this area unless you get it from far away. And the barn I boarded at I know I could make an alfalfa bale last for atleast 2 weeks...And I could just go and pick up a few bales at a time...

[SportPonyCrayzi]

From what I've seen at the barn, feeding alfalfa to a pregnant mare is common and does keep weight on them. They seem to get tired quicker with just grass, so it keeps them a little more alert. I don't think alfalfa is a big deal with a pregnant mare...especially if she's big and not hot. But, I wouldn't overdue the alfalfa. Personally, I would just feed maybe the regular grass hay amount, and a flake of alfalfa during one of the feedings. If she hasn't been on it before, introduce it to her slowly. You can switch a horse from alfalfa to grass easily enough, but grass to alfalfa may take some time. Going onto alfalfa pellets isn't as hard, but alfalfa grass most likely has more nutrients. I keep my horse on some alfalfa pellets because he gains weight easy, but I would like him to have the right amount of protein at least.

I would consult a vet for this as it would be a serious issue to me. I'm not experienced with horse breeding, but the information that I gave you is what I would think. Really, ask your vet what is okay to feed her and what is not.

If it's ok, I would introduce her to some corn, flax seed, or coconut oil (the true kind) along with some senior or mare/foal feed. She should be already getting her natural vitamins from her hay.

I think I remember reading something about how added protein to a mare's diet would increase milk potency and such....I am not certain on this information, though.

'Hope things go well with your mare and her baby .
~SPC

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

At the old barn she was getting alfalfa and grass hay(half and half) and when we brought her to my house we just had grass(all that's around our area). And at 5 months she'll be getting Youth(being introduced(again) first) and she's already on a little bit of veggie oil.

I will have my mom talk to one of the vets tomorrow

[Blistering Winds]

FESCUE grass/hay you should be worried about with pregnant mares.

Alfalfa is REGULARLY fed to pregnant mares here. I feed it to my crew that I care for all the time.

The excess energy and nutrients will help keep her weight up during hte winter without adjusting the grain to higher levels. I also feed alfalfa to Blister along with his grass hay to help balance him out when he starts dropping off in the cold.