Feeding the broodmare correctly is one of the most important investments a breeder can make. In the past, nutritional focus was often placed heavily on the foal after birth, sometimes at the expense of the mare herself. We now understand that the mare’s diet before covering, throughout pregnancy, during lactation and even after weaning plays a crucial role in her own wellbeing and the long-term health, soundness and development of her foal.

In the UK, where forage quality, seasonal grass growth and management systems can vary widely, choosing a versatile, well-balanced stud ration is key.

Nutrition Before Covering: Laying the Foundations

Before covering, the broodmare should be in good, but not excessive, body condition. A moderate condition score allows her to cycle normally and supports conception, while avoiding the risks associated with being underweight or overweight.

At this stage, the focus should be on:

• Consistent energy from highly digestible sources

• Quality protein with essential amino acids

• A full balance of vitamins and minerals to support immune function and reproductive health

A nutrient-dense, all-round stud feed such as Rowen Barbary Stud Mix is well suited here, as it delivers balanced nutrition without relying on excessive starch. Its inclusion of high-quality oils helps provide steady, slow-release energy, supporting condition without sharp peaks in blood sugar — particularly useful for mares coming out of winter or returning from work.

Feeding the Pregnant Mare

Early and Mid-Pregnancy

During the first two trimesters, the mare’s energy needs increase only slightly. Good-quality forage will often meet calorie requirements, but this does not guarantee that essential nutrients are being supplied in the correct proportions.

This is where a fully balanced stud ration becomes invaluable. Even when bucket feed quantities are modest, Rowen Barbary Stud Mix helps ensure the mare receives the vitamins, minerals and trace elements needed to support pregnancy, including those critical for skeletal development of the unborn foal.

Late Pregnancy: The Final Trimester

The last three months of pregnancy are when nutritional demands rise significantly. The foal grows rapidly, laying down muscle, bone and vital mineral reserves that will support growth after birth.

At this stage, the broodmare benefits from:

• Increased energy to support foetal growth

• Higher protein intake from digestible, quality sources

• Correct levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium

• Antioxidant support to maintain overall health

The high-oil content in Rowen Barbary Stud Mix, derived from sources such as linseed and soya, provides excellent slow-release energy without relying on large amounts of cereals. This supports weight maintenance and condition while helping to reduce digestive and metabolic stress.

Brewers yeast further supports fibre digestion, helping the mare extract maximum value from forage — particularly important when appetite may be reduced as the foal takes up more space.

Lactation: Peak Nutritional Demand

Lactation is the most demanding phase of the broodmare’s nutritional cycle. In the first few months after foaling, energy requirements can increase dramatically, and the mare must consume enough nutrients to support both milk production and her own body condition.

Milk quality is directly influenced by diet. If nutritional intake is insufficient, the mare may lose condition rapidly as her body prioritises milk production, potentially affecting her health and future fertility.

A well-balanced, nutrient-dense feed such as Rowen Barbary Stud Mix supports lactation by:

• Providing digestible energy from oils rather than excess starch

• Supplying quality protein to maintain topline and muscle

• Delivering essential vitamins and minerals needed for milk quality

• Supporting digestive efficiency through added yeast

Plenty of fresh water and ad-lib forage are essential at this stage, as milk production places a high demand on hydration and fibre intake.

Weaning: Supporting Recovery and the Next Cycle

Weaning typically takes place around six months of age and often coincides with declining grass quality in the UK. While milk production naturally reduces, it’s important not to make sudden or extreme changes to the mare’s diet.

If the mare is:

• In foal again, she will still require a balanced ration to support the next pregnancy

• Recovering condition, she may need continued nutritional support

• Maintaining weight easily, feed levels can be adjusted gradually rather than removed entirely

Maintaining a controlled amount of a fully balanced stud feed ensures ongoing provision of essential nutrients, helping the mare transition smoothly into the next stage of her breeding cycle.Key Takeaways for Feeding the Broodmare

• The broodmare’s nutrition directly influences foal health, growth and long-term soundness

• Aim to maintain a consistent, healthy body condition throughout the year

• Good-quality forage should form the foundation of the diet

• A balanced, nutrient-dense stud ration helps meet changing demands without unnecessary starch

• Oil-based energy sources support condition and performance more steadily

• Digestive support, such as yeast, helps maximise nutrient uptake from forage

Rowen Barbary Stud Mix offers a versatile, all-round feeding solution for broodmares, youngstock and stallions, making it an ideal choice for UK stud farms seeking a practical, effective and nutritionally balanced approach to breeding nutrition.