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Foal’s Diary

Early July saw the arrival of the latest edition to Kelly's herd. Kelly arrived at the field to find Master S already standing, albeit shakily. The first fews hours after birth are crucial for the 'imprinting phase', so mare and foal were watched from a distance. During this time, the foal learns that 'he is a horse' and who his mother is, i.e. who will protect him. Any interruptions to this phase can have serious implications for both mare and foal.

 

Foals are precocial which means that they develop quickly after birth, rising to their feet in the first hour and suckling within the first few hours. This is because they need to be ready to run with the herd shortly after birth. Foals begin by following the underside of the mares abdomen until they find her teats. Drinking Colostrum provides the foal with rich antibodies that support his immune system. Colostrum also has a laxative effect, allowing the foal to pass meconium, which is the first fecal excretion made by a newborn.

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