Separating a foal from its mother can be a stressful experience for both the foal and the dam. Weaning, usually done between 4 to 6 months of age, is a crucial milestone in a foal’s life. It is essential to minimize stress during this process to ensure the foal’s health and well-being. Here are four options for weaning, each with its own benefits and considerations.
Stressful Situation
Weaning stress can impact a foal’s health, immunity, and emotional well-being. To minimize stress during this transition, it’s important to choose a weaning method that suits your specific situation and facilities. The following options offer different approaches to weaning, taking into account the needs of both the foal and the mare.
Cold Turkey: Abrupt Weaning
How it works: Remove the mare from the foal completely for an extended period on a chosen weaning day.
Philosophy: This method involves a clean break between the foal and the mare, aiming for a quick and effective weaning process.
Prerequisites: A safe stall for containment, secure fencing for turnout, and a separate location for the mare out of earshot of the foal.
Positives: The initial stress usually subsides within 48 hours, making it a relatively simple and quick weaning method.
Pitfalls: Cold-turkey weaning can be stressful for the foal, leading to increased vocalization, decreased immunity, and potential weight loss.
Should you consider it?
Consider cold-turkey weaning if you prefer a straightforward and time-efficient method, despite the initial stress it may cause.
In real life: Leslie Weston, a horse owner and breeder, shares her experience with cold-turkey weaning and how it has worked well for her foals.
Disappearing Mare: Pasture Weaning
How it works: Place multiple nursing mares and foals together in a pasture, then gradually remove the mares one by one over a period of time.
Philosophy: This method allows foals to remain in a familiar environment with other mother figures, reducing stress during the weaning process.
Prerequisites: Requires multiple nursing pairs, a safe pasture, and a babysitter mare or gelding for the weanlings.
Positives: Research shows that pasture weaning is less stressful for foals compared to abrupt methods, offering a simpler and less time-intensive approach.
Pitfalls: The need for multiple mares and pasture space may limit this method for some owners, and there is a risk of injury if foals try to nurse from intolerant mares.
Should you consider it?
Consider pasture weaning if you have the space and resources for multiple nursing pairs, as it is a low-stress option with proven benefits for foal well-being.
In real life: Researchers at Virginia Tech found that pasture weaning was effective in reducing foal stress levels, providing a positive experience for the weanlings.
On The Clock: Gradual Weaning
How it works: Gradually increase the time apart between the mare and foal, starting with short intervals and extending it over several weeks until complete separation.
Philosophy: Allows the mare’s milk supply to decrease gradually while helping the pair adjust to being apart.
Prerequisites: Requires a location to temporarily separate the mare, assistance in monitoring the foal, and a gradual increase in separation time.
Positives: Less stressful than abrupt methods, helps the mare’s comfort, and allows for a gradual weaning process.
Pitfalls: More time-intensive than other methods, as weaning is stretched over several weeks.
Should you consider it?
Consider gradual weaning if you have one or two foals and prefer a less stressful approach that allows for gradual adjustment.
In real life: Camie Heleski from Michigan State University shares insights on using gradual weaning for show mares, highlighting the benefits of a gentle transition for the foals.
Close For Comfort: Proximity Weaning
How it works: Utilize a divider to keep the mare and foal in close proximity, allowing visual and physical contact while preventing nursing.
Philosophy: Provides comfort and companionship without nursing, minimizing stress for both the mare and foal.
Prerequisites: Requires adjacent turnout areas with secure fencing for visual and physical interaction between the mare and foal.
Positives: Lowers stress levels by maintaining contact between the mare and foal, less time-intensive than gradual weaning, and minimizes disruption to the daily routine.
Pitfalls: Risk of injury if fencing is not secure, potential for a stronger bond between mare and foal, making separation challenging in the future.
Should you consider it?
Consider proximity weaning for a low-stress option that requires minimal management and maintains the bond between the mare and foal during the weaning process.
In real life: Michelle Stallings from Stallings Paint Horses shares her experience with a combination of gradual and proximity weaning, emphasizing the importance of a natural and gradual approach for well-adjusted foals.
Misery Loves Company?
Pairing foals during weaning has been a common practice to reduce stress levels. However, research has shown that foals kept in pairs may experience higher levels of anxiety compared to solo foals during the weaning process.
While the buddy system can be beneficial in some situations, it’s essential to consider the individual needs of each foal and monitor their behavior during weaning.
High Anxiety
Studies have shown that paired foals can increase each other’s stress levels during weaning, leading to anxious behavior and elevated cortisol levels. It’s important to observe foals closely and adjust the weaning approach based on their responses.
Weaning Well
- Prioritize the foal’s health by ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming before weaning.
- Prepare the stall environment for the foal to minimize stress and prevent potential injuries.
- Introduce the foal to a commercial feed ration to support their nutritional needs during weaning.
- Avoid overlapping stressors by ensuring both the mare and foal are in good health before weaning.
Remember This
- Avoid milking out the mare during weaning to prevent prolonged milk production.
- Gradually reduce the mare’s grain ration before weaning to help decrease her milk supply.
- Keep the foal in a familiar environment during weaning to reduce stress and promote a smoother transition.
- Complete halter training before weaning to facilitate management and avoid post-weaning challenges.
- Allow sufficient time for the mare and foal to adjust to separation, ensuring a gradual and gentle transition.