Spring is foaling time for mare owners across Texas. And, like always, this year's colt crop will be prospects for the future. Some will be conditioned for futurities and sales, while others will be raised for eventual use as mature performing athletes. Regardless of a foal's projected use, now is the time to insure adequate growth and sound skeletal development through a good feeding and management program.

Nursing foals will show an interest in eating soon after birth, often consuming small amounts of feed along with the mare. However, there are two problems associated with all-owing foals to eat out of the same feeder with the mare. Some mares display agonistic behavior at feeding time and may injure a foal that is competing for feed. Secondly, a marked difference exists between nutritional requirements of the mare and nutrient needs of the foal. Broodmare rations contain the energy needed for foals to gain weight, but sometimes lack the relative amounts of protein and minerals needed for proper structural development. Therefore, some broodmare rations may actually promote skeletal misdevelopment if fed to foals over an extended period of time. In these situations, the foal will deposit fat and gain weight while experiencing subnormal skeletal growth.

To help avoid such problems, a creep feeder should be constructed and a balanced creep feed made available to foals. A creep feeder is a facility consisting of a perimeter fence with a feed trough located internally. It is used to provide a place where nursing foals can begin eating balanced, high quality feed prior to being weaned. The practice of creep feeding serves to supply nutrients beyond what a foal receives from the milk. Secondly, creep feeding minimizes the intake of broodmare feed that can sometimes lack the protein and minerals needed by foals. And thirdly, creep feeding can make the weaning process more trouble free since foals are already accustomed to eating.

Creep feeders should be placed in areas where horses normally congregate and spend time. They should be easily accessible by foals and be mare-proof. The perimeter should have as many entrances as possible, with openings regulated both by height and width. For typical stock-type and thoroughbred foals from mares weighing between 1,000 and 1,300 pounds, the height should usually be approximately four feet. Width of openings should usually be between 22 and 26 inches. A trough should be provided inside the area, taking care to be sure it is situated where foals can access the feed and exit easily and safely.

Young foals often nurse as much as 70 times daily, indicating they prefer frequent, small meals. With that in mind, creep feed should be introduced gradually and eventually be available at all times. Any spoiled feed should be removed daily and fresh feed added as necessary. The creep feed should contain at least 16% crude protein, .80% calcium and .50% phosphorus with at least 6% crude fiber. Feeds containing lesser amounts of fiber will need to contain higher levels of protein and minerals.

Occasionally, one foal may become overly dominant and consume excessive feed while preventing others from entering the feeders. However, these situations are fairly uncommon. Properly managed creep feeding programs will let foals learn to eat concentrates safely and to good benefit regarding early growth and development. With some planning and limited cost, horse owners can establish creep feeding practices that will help in the effort to wean foals and produce a horse with greater longevity and usefulness as a mature individual.