Why Winter Nutrition Matters for Pregnant Broodmares

Why Winter Nutrition Matters for Pregnant Broodmares

During the first 7–8 months of pregnancy, the foal grows slowly, and most mares can be maintained on good forage plus a balanced vitamin, mineral and amino acid supplement such as Plusvital Breeding Syrup.

However, in the last 90 days of gestation, the unborn foal’s growth rate increases fivefold. This is the period when:

•    Significant skeletal growth occurs
•    Requirements for calcium, phosphorus and magnesium rise sharply
•    Protein and essential amino acids become critical
•    The mare’s digestive capacity is reduced as the foal grows inside her abdomen

This makes targeted supplementation vital for both mare and foal during winter.

Key Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids Needed in Late Gestation

1. Minerals for Bone & Skeletal Development

The foetus stores most of its minerals (especially calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and magnesium) during the final month of pregnancy. Mare’s milk contains very low levels of these minerals, so prenatal supplementation is essential.

Plusvital Bone-Biome supports:

•    Healthy bone formation in the foal
•    Adequate mineral storage before birth
•    The broodmare’s increased mineral demand
•    Gut microbiome health, which influences immunity in both mare and foal

2. Essential Amino Acids

Even mares in good body condition can produce weak or underdeveloped foals if their diet lacks quality protein or amino acids like lysine and methionine.

Forage alone (even high-protein forage like alfalfa) often cannot meet amino acid needs due to poorer protein digestibility. Plusvital Breeding Syrup provides easily absorbed amino acids that support:

•    Foetal muscle development
•    Proper tissue growth
•    Healthy birth weights

3. Vitamins & Antioxidants

Vitamin E, selenium and other antioxidants support immune function, reproductive health and colostrum quality. Supplementation during winter helps compensate for reduced grazing and lower forage vitamin content.

The Broodmare’s Microbiome: A Hidden Key to Foal Health

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for nutrient absorption and healthy immune function. Importantly, the mare “seeds” the foal’s microbiome at birth.

Plusvital Bone-Biome includes targeted gut-health ingredients to help:

•    Improve nutrient uptake
•    Support overall health in late gestation
•    Give the foal a strong start through better microbiome transfer

Managing Body Condition: Thin vs. Overweight Mares

If your mare is thin, winter and late gestation can make it hard for mares to maintain weight. Once lactation starts, adding body condition becomes extremely difficult. Plusvital Carron Oil offers a safe, highly digestible source of additional calories and omega-rich energy, ideal for:

•    Thin mares in late pregnancy
•    Lactating mares with high energy demands

If your mare is overweight, she may face increased risk of dystocia and reduced milk production. In this case, prioritise nutrients, not calories. Plusvital Breeding Syrup and Plusvital Bone-Biome provide the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals required without contributing to weight gain.

Forage First: The Foundation of Winter Feeding

High-quality forage should remain the base of the broodmare’s diet. Aim for:

•    A minimum of 1.5% of body weight per day
•    Ad-lib forage where possible for optimal digestive health

Supplementation ensures all nutrient gaps are filled, supporting both mare and foal through winter and into early lactation.

Give Your Broodmare and Foal the Best Possible Start

Winter nutrition is about more than calories, it's about delivering the right vitamins, minerals, amino acids and gut-support ingredients to match the increased demands of late pregnancy. With Plusvital Breeding Syrup, Plusvital Bone-Biome and Plusvital Carron Oil, you can help ensure:

•    Stronger foal development
•    Better immunity
•    Improved mare health
•    A smoother transition into lactation

If you have any questions or need any advice for the winter nutritional management of your pregnant mare, get in touch with Plusvital and we’ll be happy to help!