Foaled

Foaled refers to the birth of a horse. The term is used specifically to describe the process of a mare giving birth to a foal. The foaling process is a critical event in the life of a horse and requires careful management and observation to ensure the health and safety of both the mare and the foal.

Foaling Process

The foaling process is typically divided into three stages:

Stage One

The first stage of foaling involves the onset of labor. During this stage, the mare may exhibit signs of discomfort, such as restlessness, sweating, and frequent urination. This stage can last for several hours as the mare's body prepares for delivery.

Stage Two

The second stage is the actual delivery of the foal. This stage is usually quick, lasting between 15 to 30 minutes. The mare will lie down, and the foal will be delivered front feet first, followed by the head and the rest of the body. It is crucial that the foal is delivered within a short time frame to prevent complications.

Stage Three

The third stage involves the expulsion of the placenta. This should occur within a few hours after the foal is born. Retained placenta can lead to serious health issues for the mare, such as metritis or laminitis.

Post-Foaling Care

After the foal is born, it is important to ensure that it stands and nurses within the first few hours. The foal should receive colostrum, the first milk produced by the mare, which is rich in antibodies essential for the foal's immune system. The mare and foal should be monitored closely for any signs of distress or complications.

Common Complications

Some common complications during foaling include:

• Dystocia: Difficult birth due to abnormal positioning of the foal.
• Retained Placenta: Failure to expel the placenta within a few hours post-foaling.
• Neonatal Isoerythrolysis: A condition where the foal's red blood cells are destroyed by antibodies in the mare's colostrum.

Related Pages

• Horse breeding
• Mare
• Foal
• Equine nutrition
• Veterinary medicine