Can baby horse drink pasterized milk?

It is generally not advisable to give pasteurized milk to baby horses. Foals, or young horses, have a unique digestive system that is specifically designed for consuming the milk of their mothers, known as mare's milk. Mare's milk is low in fat and high in protein, sugars, and essential nutrients tailored to meet the nutritional requirements of growing foals.

Pasteurized milk, on the other hand, is typically obtained from cows or other animals and has been heat-treated to kill harmful microorganisms. While pasteurizing milk makes it safer for human consumption, it also alters the composition and nutritional content of the milk. Cow's milk, in particular, can be difficult for foals to digest due to its higher fat content and different protein structure.

Foals should ideally be fed colostrum, which is the first milk produced by the mare shortly after giving birth. Colostrum is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and various growth factors that are essential for the foal's immune system development and overall health. After the initial consumption of colostrum, foals should continue to nurse their mothers for several months to fulfill their nutritional needs.

If providing mare's milk is not possible, or in cases where the mare is unable to produce sufficient milk, it may be necessary to use a specially formulated milk replacer designed specifically for foals. These milk replacers are based on the nutritional composition of mare's milk and are more digestible and suitable for the unique needs of foals compared to pasteurized milk from other sources.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a knowledgeable equine nutritionist regarding the proper care and feeding of baby horses, including any special dietary requirements or milk replacers that may be needed.