Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition
Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson dish up the science and weigh the facts about equine nutrition, horse care, and industry topics.
Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition
Ep. 73: Broodmare Nutrition: Why Your Foal’s Health Starts Before Birth
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Mare nutrition plays a far bigger role in foal development than most horse owners realize and the science is now showing that what happens during pregnancy can influence a foal for life. In this episode, we break down and explore how broodmare diet shapes foal growth, metabolism, and long-term soundness.
From epigenetics and fetal programming to practical feeding strategies for pregnant mares, this conversation connects cutting-edge research with real-world feeding decisions for horse owners, breeders, and equine professionals.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why broodmare nutrition is critical before conception and during pregnancy
- How epigenetics and fetal programming influence foal development
- The role of energy intake, body condition score, and metabolic health in mares
- What research shows about overfeeding, restriction, and long-term foal outcomes
- And so much more
Whether you’re breeding performance horses, managing a small broodmare herd, or simply want to better understand equine nutrition science, this episode will change how you think about feeding mares and raising foals.
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com
Thanks for riding along with us!