When Equine Guelph launched its new “Mare & Foal Care Tool”, the “how to” videos received great feedback as tools to prepare owners for the expected and unexpected. The Mare & Foal Care Tool was designed and developed in partnership with PFERA, an equine reproductive biotechnology company, as a resource for horse owners and breeders.
Tracey Chenier, equine reproductive specialist at the Ontario Veterinary College, is featured in both videos and provides important advice that might make the difference in having a live foal! “Mare owners should know the signs that predict foaling is close, and what normal foaling looks like,” says Chenier. “That way you can be there when your mare is foaling to be sure everything is going well.”
The first video outlining the predictive signs of foaling, includes physical changes to watch for in the last few weeks and days leading up to the delivery. Guidelines on milk testing are also discussed as it pertains to predicting when the foal will arrive.