Pregnant Miniature Mare Nutrition

Your pregnant miniature mare's nutritional needs will change throughout the pregnancy and then change again when she lactates. While the quantities will, of course, be smaller, a miniature mare needs the same nutrients a full-sized horse needs.

  1. Miniature Mare Gestation

    • Miniature mares gestate for a slightly shorter time period than their larger cohorts, carrying for 320 to 340 days. They require the same general health care as regular-sized horses though they often have a harder time giving birth.

    First Two Thirds of the Pregnancy

    • During the first two-thirds of the pregnancy, mares typically can be fed their usual maintenance diet. Generally the mare's 8 percent dietary protein requirement can be met using hay alone, though you may supplement with grain. Grain should not exceed 20 percent.

    Last Three Months of Gestation

    • At this stage of the pregnancy, the foal is drastically increasing in weight daily. The mare may not be able to eat enough hay to get all the nutrients she needs. A concentrated source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals will be needed.

    Suggested Grains for Last Three Months of Gestation

    • A mixture of cracked corn, soybean meal, wheat bran, ground limestone, molasses and a vitamin pre-mix can give your mare the added nutrients she needs.

    Lactating Miniature Mare

    • Lactating mares need more nutritionally than any other horse would need normally. It is suggested you feed your mare the grain mix suggested above along with a mix of green grass pasture, mature grass pasture and alfalfa.