How to Feed an Orphan Horse

There are times when a horse breeder may find himself in a position to care for an orphaned colt. Whether orphaned because of her dam's death, rejection or failure to produce enough milk, the colt's life may depend upon feeding within four to 12 hours of its birth.

Things You'll Need

  • Nurse mare
  • Supplemental colostrum
  • Commercial milk replacer
  • Nurser bottle
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed colostrum to colt. A colt must have colostrum (the first milk secreted by a dam) within 12 hours of birth. Colostrum contains the antibodies that the colt needs for a healthy immune system. If the dam dies during birth, pump the colostrum from her nipples. When this is not possible, purchase a colostrum supplement or frozen colostrum from a colostrum bank.

    • 2

      Find a nurse mare to nurse the colt. This is the most efficient method available to feed an orphaned colt. The nurse mare provides natural milk, the colt can bond with the nurse mare via nursing and it learns the socialization skills that it needs to thrive.

    • 3

      Purchase a milk replacement formula and bottle-feed the colt. When it is not reasonable or possible to get a nurse colt, a milk replacement formula is the next best option. Bottle feed every two hours for a week, during which time you will slowly introduce the colt to drinking from a bucket.