Recommended Product
Milligans MMR — Our proven multi-species formula — trusted by New Zealand horse owners and breeders for supplementary foal feeding.
Colostrum — Act Immediately
Foals must receive mare's colostrum within the first 2–4 hours of birth. The immunoglobulin absorption window in foals is very short. If mare colostrum is unavailable for any reason, contact your equine vet immediately — foal-specific colostrum sources are strongly preferable where possible.
Feeding
Foals have significantly higher energy and protein requirements per kilogram of bodyweight than most other young animals. Consistency in timing and temperature is critical — foals are prone to digestive upsets when feeding is inconsistent.
Foals naturally nurse every 1–2 hours in the first days of life. Where possible, replicate this frequency in the first two weeks using a bottle or automatic feeder.
Mix Milligans MMR at 38–40°C. Add powder to water, mix until dissolved, feed immediately.
[Specific mixing rates and feeding volumes for foals — from nutritionist team, or direct farmers to contact our team]
Top Tips
- Always involve your equine vet. For orphaned foals or foals with any health concerns, professional guidance alongside your milk replacer programme makes a real difference to outcomes.
- Frequency matters as much as volume. Small and frequent is the key — particularly in the first two weeks. Large infrequent feeds cause digestive upset.
- Temperature — 38–40°C every feed. As with all young animals, consistency in mixing temperature is non-negotiable.
- Introduce roughage early. Good quality hay can be offered from a few weeks of age to support digestive development alongside milk feeding.
- Monitor closely in the first week. The first week is the most critical period for an orphaned foal. Track condition, hydration and manure output closely and contact your vet at the first sign of concern.
Contact Our Team
For advice on foal rearing with Milligans products, call us on 0800 STOCKFEED or email feedsales@milligans.co.nz