Be as best prepared as you can for the joy of a new foal. Learn the signs of foaling and how to tell when a mare is about to foal.
Foaling season is a stressful time, regardless if you have just one or many mares to foal out. The goal is to have healthy mares and foals and to still have your sanity intact; however, I can’t say much about your total sleep hours. With horses, it is generally best to be close by to observe the birth in case problems arise. We cannot control every situation, but knowing the signs of foaling will help you be better prepared to be there for the mare and the new foal.
Things to Consider About a Mare’s Gestation
The pregnant mare has a grand feat in front of her. The birth of a foal is a beautiful event, but it can be life-threatening. For this reason, evaluate the mare daily after the 300th day of gestation. 330-340 days is the average length of a mare’s gestation. However, there is a wide variation in normal gestation lengths between mares. It is estimated that 1% of mares will be in foal for one year or longer. The most common time of day for a mare to foal is from 10 pm to 5 am; therefore, overnight monitoring is crucial.
Signs of Foaling- What to Look for on the Mare
Because normal gestation is highly variable and the calculated due date usually cannot be relied upon (although it is important to keep a record of the calculated due date, breeding date, and first confirmed pregnancy check), it is important to observe the mare for changes in her body, behavior, and habits. This can help predict the foaling.
Signs of Foaling- Change in the Mare’s Body
Mammary Gland Development
Mammary gland or udder enlargement can occur 3-6 weeks before foaling. “Bagging up” is the layman’s term. The udder should be inspected daily for visible changes in size, shape, and temperature. It will switch from small and flabby to full and firm but should be fairly cool to the touch. Udder development can regress intermittently.
Mammary Gland Secretions
Express the mammary gland to obtain a few drops of secretions. Secretions are watery normally. The secretions will become less watery as foaling is near. There are different tests that can detect electrolyte and pH changes in the udder secretion to help predict foaling. Some of the tests include Predict a Foal (measures calcium and magnesium in the udder secretion), Sofchek strips(measures calcium and magnesium in the udder secretion), and Titrets calcium hardness test kit. Generally, milk calcium will increase, milk sodium and potassium ratio will invert, sodium will be lower than potassium, and milk pH will decrease as foaling becomes closer (within days).
Milk dripping or streaming from the udder days to weeks before foaling is not normal and might be a sign of a reproductive problem in the mare (e.g., placentitis). Early lactation can also result in the loss of colostrum, which is essential for the foal to consume to obtain proper immunity. This will put the foal at risk for failure of passive transfer. If this occurs, please contact your veterinarian immediately, so the mare and foal can be treated promptly and appropriately to prevent illness.
Waxing of the Teats
Wax is a thick honey-colored sticky colostrum droplet at the end of the teat. This is completely normal.
Softening of Pelvic Ligaments and Elongation of the Vulva
The pelvic ligaments around the tail head will soften. Palpate the sides of the tail head daily, and you might start to notice softening in this area. The vulva will lengthen and soften as foaling is near. Inspect the vulva daily and notice any changes in the length.
Signs of Foaling- Changes in the Mare’s Behavior
- Getting up and down more frequently
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Dripping milk
- Pawing
- Lifting the tail
- Personality changes
Signs of Foaling- Changes in the Mare’s Habits
- Lack of appetite
- Urinating or defecating frequently
- Change in alertness
- Changes in gait or posture
Methods for Monitoring Signs of Foaling
There are many methods that can be used for monitoring for signs of foaling. Monitoring the mare was explained above. Additional methods include an hourly monitoring log sheet that provides the date, time, and two or three words to describe the mare’s behavior, foal alert devices (a transducer sutured to the vulva and when the foal enters the birth canal, an alert system is activated), cameras in the stalls, and good record keeping of breeding and pregnancy confirmation dates.
Signs of foaling frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How to prepare a mare for imminent foaling?
Provide a clean stall with fresh, clean bedding or a clean pasture. Wash the mare’s hindlimbs and udder if the mare is very dirty or muddy. If the tail is very dirty, it can be wrapped; take the wrap off after foaling, and don’t make it too tight.