Due to the nature of the newborn's digestive system, foals need both colostrum and regular milk. For example, in the first days of a foal's life, colostrum proteins are broken down, enriching the body with globulins that increase the body's resistance to diseases. This is especially important for newborn foals because only a small amount of vital antibodies pass through the placenta.
Newborn foals digest colostrum using a special substance called esterase, which is secreted by glands located at the base of the tongue and at the beginning of their esophagus. Its effect lasts for a limited time after birth. During the period of breastfeeding, the digestive system of foals gradually changes. Proper foal development is very important to the horse breeding industry.
The main problem in the nutrition of foals is ensuring normal protein synthesis in their body and connecting with it the needs of the growing body of young foals. As foals age, their intake of digestible protein decreases. This rate is very high in the first days of life and remains at about 45% by the 60th day of life. Along with regular energy supply, young animals must be provided with complete protein containing essential amino acids and minerals with a dry matter content of about 6%. Proteins, minerals and vitamins are the building blocks for the tissues and organs of growing young foals.
Although the main weight gain in young animals occurs due to protein, fat also accumulates with it. The need for digestible protein and essential amino acids (per 100 kg of live weight) in various animals decreases with age. For example, in the first month of life, calves are given 600 g per 100 kg of live weight, and if it is recommended to give digestible protein, in the sixth month - 300 g, in the twelfth month - 200 g. and 170 grams at two years. must provide protein that is completely digestible.
The calcium requirement of foals with a live weight of up to 45 kg is 0.8% of dry matter and a live weight of 55-90 kg. and above – equal to 0.6%. Vitamin A should be given to young animals per 100 kg of live weight: to increase the ability to see at night - 0.9 mg, for rapid development - 1.5 mg, to enrich the blood at a high level - 13 mg. Foals require 13 mg of carotene per 100 kg. live weight during the first 3 months of life, the requirement of 12-month-old foals is 7.5 mg. Foals from birth to 7 months of age require vitamin D for every 100 kg. It is defined as 600-700 international units (IU) per live weight.
In the first months, foals grow rapidly due to their mother's milk. Therefore, the milk production of mares should be maintained at a high level through additional feeding with grass feed. Foals are always with their mother and often nurse. For 1 kg of weight gain, a foal needs about 10 liters of breast milk.
Foals begin to eat grass at 1-1.5 months. From 2-3 months of age, foals are taught to eat food in the amount of 200-300 grams. they are served oatmeal, barley and bran. Until weaning, foals are fed up to 2.5 kg. oat bran and 0.5 kg. barley. Additional vitamin supplements, mineral supplements and fish oil are added to the food ration.
The health of foals primarily depends on their nutrition. Especially in autumn and winter, their body suffers from a lack of green grass, rich in various nutrients and vitamins. To eliminate these shortcomings in the autumn-winter period, the Research and Production Center planned to provide foals with green mass rich in various vitamins. During the planned activities, the hydroponic growing method was chosen - an innovative technology for growing green mass from barley grains and other grain crops.
As is known from the literature, it has been scientifically proven that hydroponic feed prepared from barley grains contains 23% more vitamin A and 22% more vitamin B, as well as 14% more vitamin C than citrus crops. Hydroponic feed is considered one of the genetically and physiologically pure feeds intended for animals. For example, hydroponic feed increases the fertility of cattle and poultry by 11%, extends their productive life, and improves the quality of milk, meat and eggs.
In this regard, according to specialists from the Research and Production Center for Horse Breeding, it is important to study methods of introducing additional additives from hydroponic feed prepared from various grain crops into the diet of Akhal-Teke horses, as well as to scientifically substantiate the rules for using these additives.
Gurbanov Perhat
Head of the Bacteriology Subdepartment
of the Veterinary Laboratory Department
Horse Breeding Research Center
of the State Association
"Turkmen Atlary"