When do foals start eating roughage and concentrates?
Foals can start eating roughage or concentrates from about 10-21 days old, although some do start at just 3 days old; this can be introduced in the first week or when the foal shows an interest. Introducing roughage or concentrates at an early stage ensures maturation of the gastrointestinal tract so that abnormal fermentation does not occur when the foal is weaned. A correctly balanced diet is essential for proper bone and muscle growth, a healthy coat, skin and feet as well as soundness, correct energy, protein, mineral and vitamin status. Depending on individual circumstances, including size, age, breed, pasture conditions and, most of all, the mare’s milk production, concentrates should consist of dried skimmed milk with a gradual change to a young stock diet when the foal reaches 8-12 weeks of age. At this stage foals require a very high quality and easily digestible feed; it should contain approximately 20% protein and 4-5 times the mineral levels of adult feed. The type of diet
