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Mares' Milk Composition as Related to "Foal Heat" Scours¹

South Dakota State University, Brookings

Abstract

A CONDITION known as "foal heat" scours often develops in young foals during the mare's first estrum, which usually commences about 9 days post-partum. Various causative factors that have been suggested, although not scientifically established, include: (1) Changes in milk composition during the heat period (Henry and Morrison, 1923; Linton, 1931; Holmes and Lindquist, 1947; Doll, 1956), (2) ingestation of genital discharge (Sohnie, 1910; Udall, 1943; Siegmond, 1961), (3) ingestation of straw, feces, grass and other foreign matter (Udall, 1943) and (4) overloading of the foal's digestive tract (Henry and Morrison, 1923; Udall, 1943; Siegmond, 1961).

The purpose of this research was to study the composition of mare's milk at 9 days post-partum in relation to the condition of "foal heat" scours.

Experimental Procedure

Six Quarter Horse mares ranging in age from 3 to 7 years were used in this study. They had previously had from zero to three lactations.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station as Publication No, 883 of the Journal Series.

² Department of Animal Science.