Proper nutrition plays important role in development of pony skeleton

The development of a pony's skeleton takes place mainly in the first year of life. So a good start is very important for a foal. Of course, every pony has genetic traits that can cause a pony to develop skeletal abnormalities. However, by raising a foal and a young pony properly and with plenty of exercise, proper development can be optimized and bone abnormalities can be prevented as much as possible. In this regard, proper nutrition is an important component. With this knowledge, we developed EquiFirst her Breeding line.

“We advise every breeder to give a mare in the last three months of pregnancy our Breeding Cube conduct.” Speaking is nutritionist Mieke Vork, Key Account Manager at EquiFirst. She explains why. ”In the final months of gestation, foal development begins. The pellets of the Breeding line contain the OS complex, a specially developed mixture of manganese, copper and zinc. Newborn foals may not have enough copper and zinc absorb. By increasing these components in the pregnant mare's diet, the foal can build up a reserve supply through the umbilical cord and can feed on this for the first few weeks after birth. Until it can eat kibble on its own.

“So nutrition is an important component when it comes to preventing OCD, for example,” the nutritionist continued.

Newborn foal

Even after birth, the advice is to Breeding Cube continue to feed. It is aimed at keeping lactating mares in good condition. Once a foal can eat kibble on its own, they can feed the OS-Complex, and thus also copper, get it through this diet. In fact, the complex is contained in the Starting Cube, which is specially developed for foals up to one year old.

“It's a nice, small 6-millimeter chunk,” says Mieke. It stays close to natural breast milk in that it contains milk products with easily absorbable proteins. Up to a year of age, it is possible to change any bone problems that may arise. The weaning period is a stress period for a foal anyway, and in addition, this Starting Cube support a foal very well.”

Growing up young pony

After the first year of life, a pony is still growing and for this phase, until the young pony is about three years old, developed EquiFirst the Growing Cube. This pellet is specially designed for the young pony to grow up evenly and get enough nutrients to become a well-developed pony. Mieke Vork: ” As soon as a pony comes out of rearing and goes to work, whether it is for testing or for sport, it can get nutrition that is adapted to the work required.”

EquiFirst has several lines such as Original, Sports & Leisure and Energy (Top Sports) containing products for different types of work.

Rearing flake mix

EquiFirst meets the pony (re)breeders who like to feed a flake mix with the Breeding Mix. A muesli especially for pregnant and lactating mares, foals and young horses. In addition to the high-quality proteins and fatty acids necessary for this group, it also contains the by EquiFirst developed Linamix©. “The Breeding Mix includes soy flakes with easily absorbable protein. The Linamix© is a flaxseed pellet, which ensures that the pony gets a lot of shine. Some mares drop in condition tremendously during suckling. With the Breeding Mix you get a mare like that back in nice condition easier.”

After weaning

Once a foal is weaned off, the mare can slowly return to concentrate feed. A mare in normal condition can then switch back fairly quickly to feed from the Original line, the basic nutrition of EquiFirst. “If a mare has really lost condition, you can feed her longer with the slightly richer Breeding Cube.”

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Source: NWPCS / EquiFirst