Page 947 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
P. 947
Preparation for foaling
If the mare is not foaling at home, she should ideally be moved to the foaling premises 4-6
VetBooks.ir weeks before she is due to foal. This gives her time to settle in and to acquire immunity to
disease-producing organisms in the new environment. She will produce protective antibodies
which are passed onto the foal in the colostrum.
For an average-sized mare, the foaling box should measure 4.5 m × 4.5 m (13 ft × 13 ft).
A clean, deep bed of good quality straw should be provided (Figure 19.22). Shavings are not
ideal for the newborn foal. A power point and a means of providing a sick foal with warmth
should be available.
