How old is a foal to be weaned

The densities of the medial, medullary, and lateral areas of the right and left cannon bones continued to increase after weaning, indicating that weaning did not affect bone density. Medial bone density was greater at days of age in foals weaned at six months than in foals weaned at 4.

No differences were observed in medullary bone density between weaning groups. However, lateral bone density was greater at days and days of age in foals weaned at six months compared to foals weaned at 4. Because differences in bone density were noted before any of the foals had been weaned i.

In conclusion, weaning at six months of age may provide little growth advantage over weaning at 4. Research summarized in this article was conducted by L. Warren et al. The report of this research was first published in proceedings of the Kentucky Equine Research Equine Nutrition Conference.

Subscribe to Equinews and get the latest equine nutrition and health news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for free now! Search Library Entire Site. Since birth, your foal has been entirely dependent on their dam for food, comfort and security. Regardless of the precise age you choose to wean, the most important consideration is the individual foal and reducing any stress they may experience. Typically, foals are weaned when they reach at least three months of age.

However, for many foals, delaying weaning until they are four to six months old is recommended. At three months your foal has its own immune system starting to work. Prior to this age your foal relies on mum for immunity. As your foal matures, the choice to wean should depend on their readiness.

A foal that is ready for weaning is strong and healthy, with a good appetite for forage and concentrate suitable for young, growing horses and regularly seen interacting with others away from their dam.

Together, these factors will aid the process of separating mare and foal. For many horse owners, your approach to weaning will not only depend on your personal preference and your individual horses, but also on your facilities. It also makes it easier to catch them. Again, having a buddy in the stall or paddock makes the process much less stressful. The fence should not allow nursing and must be sturdy, free of nails, sharp edges, etc.

Following weaning, the mares should be turned out in an area where they can be freely exercised, and their grain ration should be decreased for seven to 10 days to facilitate drying up and to prevent weight gain, as they are no longer producing milk for their foal. Thomas R.