The Quick Foal Guide 

 Has your mare just had a foal? How exciting! But you need a quick guide on how to manage the new born foal, and what are the things to look out for. 

The 1-2-3 Rule 

 The foal should be standing by 1 hour. 

The foal should be nursing by 2 hours.

The mare’s placenta should be passed within 3 hours, (but can take up to 6 hours). 

 Unlike humans, there is no transfer of antibodies or immunity through the placenta. The foal relies entirely on getting these vital antibodies via the mare’s milk. The mares first milk is called “colostrum”. The foal will absorb 85% of vital antibodies during the first 6-8 hours after birth. The foal’s ability to absorb colostrum declines after 12 hours of life and at 24 hours of life the foal can no long absorb colostrum at all. Without these vital antibodies, the foal is susceptible to life threatening infections and sepsis. 

 Failure of passive transfer occurs when: 

-       The mare produces poor quality colostrum 

-       There has been premature lactation. Often called “running milk” prior to the foal being birthed. 

-       Placental infections or placentitis 

-       The foal is unable to stand and nurse 

-       The foal is born premature

A post-natal examination is vital to check the antibody levels of the foal. This is done through a simple blood test, testing the IgG levels. 

IgG levels < 200 indicates a failure of passive transfer of immunity. IgG levels 400-800 indicated partial failure and IgG levels >800 indicates successful transfer of immunity. 

 Foals with failure or partial passive transfer of immunity are at greater risk of diarrhoea, pneumonia and joint infections. Early intervention and veterinary treatment is vital for a successful outcome.