Weaning is generally recommended between the 5th and 6th month of life, when the mare's milk no longer meets the nutritional needs of the foal. The process should be planned, lasting from a few days to weeks, always focusing on observing the animal's behavior.
Humane weaning of foals is a strategic management practice that aims to separate the foal from its mother, minimizing physical and psychological stress, promoting animal welfare, and facilitating future management. Unlike abrupt weaning, this approach uses gradual and social methods, focusing on the foal's emotional intelligence.
Gradual Separation (Fence-line Weaning): Foal and mare are separated by a secure fence, but remain in the same paddock or in neighboring paddocks. This allows them to see and smell each other, reducing anxiety and the risk of running or agitation injuries.
Introduce an older, calm, gelded horse (affectionately called "franjinha") into the foal group. This adult provides companionship, social organization, and reduces the stress of maternal absence.
Keep several foals of the same age together after separating them from their mares. Prior interaction with their peers before separation from their mother is crucial for them to feel secure in the group.
Accustom the foal to eating feed and drinking water from a bucket a few weeks before weaning. This prevents the foal from losing weight and nutrition during the transition.
Remove the mare and leave the foal in the place it already knows, avoiding the double stress of separating from its mother and changing pastures simultaneously.
Less Stress: Reduction in stress hormone levels, evidenced by a lower heart rate.
Safety: Drastically reduces the risk of the foal injuring itself on fences or developing behavioral vices (such as chewing wood or running on the fence).
More Confident Foals: The animals become more independent, courageous, and develop a better relationship with humans.
Mare Recovery: Allows the mare to recover her body condition before the next pregnancy, without the constant demand for breastfeeding.
Remember that Foal Response is a complete supplement for foals that can be used until they are yearlings. It's the only one that contains colostrum in its formula, which will serve as protein to provide the necessary support for your foal to develop healthily and protected.
