[aqh88]

I did a search and read some other threads but I think we need some situation specific advice. Out of all the foals we've had this is the first one that has had a problem with milk.

Two Step is 5years old and just had her first foal 2 days ago. She's been a good mom but it just doesn't seem like her udder has developed enough. I don't see anything wrong with her udder at all and it wouldn't be sore except there's a filly drinking off of her sometimes within 30seconds of the last time she drank. Two Step did produce colostrum and waxed up right before foaling and we made the filly drink from both sides right after birth so I'm pretty certain that isn't an issue. Her udder is just tiny compared to the other mares and does not seem to hold enough or produce milk fast enough. The filly is never satisfied and sometimes goes nibbling across her mom's body, especially behind her front legs, like she's looking for something more. The nipples are sucked nearly flat all the time and I can't get any milk out when I check. The filly isn't doing terrible and still explores a little so must be getting something but she does seem to be getting less active everyday instead of more active. Two Step is starting to get annoyed with the constant suckling and although she still stays in place she's pinning her ears and lifted her leg once like she wanted to brush the foal off.

I started giving Two Step a supplement for lactating mares and I've looked everywhere for foal formula. Even the local vets don't have a horse specific formula. My only option for that seems to be running up to the clinic an hour away. I read in a few other threads about using goat milk. So my questions are Should I try to supplement the filly with a few extra bottles a day along with what she's getting from her mom and could formula for goat kids or goat milk from the store work? If I have to I'll definitely run up to the clinic but noone else is around today to wach the other pregnant mare who's a week past due.

[Blistering Winds]

hmmm....sounds to me she may be one of those that didn't produce.

Since the colostrum time is overwith, you can easily start bottle feeding goats milk cocktails.

I don't know where the recipe I had went to, but I'll post it after I go get my kids and my dog.....if someone else hasn't posted one.

[aqh88]

Well the filly looks eager enough to drink from the bottle but she hates the taste of goat milk. Is there anything to make it more appetizing?

[Blistering Winds]

Karo syrup.....

I can't find my cocktail ...


There are milk replacers at the local feed stores that you should be able to get and mix up.

[aqh88]

Checked 3 feed stores and called 2 vets. I can get about 4 different milk replacers for calves, 2 for goats, at least one for sheep, cat, dog,... everything you can name but horse. I even found a llama one. So unless she takes the goat milk I'll be running up to the big vet clinic tomorrow.

[Blistering Winds]

I put in a call and an email....I should have a few mixtures up in just a few minutes...

[Blistering Winds]

Basically, if you cannot find Foal Lac or some of the other milk replacers for foals, there is a Manna Pro that you can use, or if you have goats milk, it is best.

And all the feedback I have been getting is to bucket feed if you can....safer for you, and easier on both of you too.

Good luck...it takes time, but if they are hungry enough, they'll eat.

[aqh88]

I'll try a bucket but the goats milk with karo didn't work either. I found someone with a mare that still had her yearling on her. They are bringing her over to our place so they can finally wean the foal and we'll see if we can get any milk out of her. I would think after a week or 2 the filly would start taking to softened foal feeds and we won't have to worry anymore.

[Chaz]

Description: A complete colostrum replacement for orpan foals or foals receiving insuffient nutrients from the mare.
120g

i found this dont know if it will help

[ryu2832]

Where are you in Iowa, I have Foal-lac left over--you can PM me. Pail feeding is the way to go if you can. We had to drench our foal--not fun. Mom came through with the milk after about five days for us--whew!

Did you call your vet, sometimes a shot of Oxytocin will get the milk going again in a few hours. There is also a product called Doperidone if she might have been on fescue.

Good luck!