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  Discussion on Poor milk production in two mares....
Author Message
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 - 2:19 pm:

After 15+ years of mares delivering with plenty of milk, we have had two (out of three deliveries so far) this year needing domperidone. Both delivered after their due dates (~2+ weeks). The first to deliver seemed to be ok, but when the foal was a few days of age we noticed that he rarely would rest and when he did lay down he was up immediately - trying to nurse non-stop. He did not appear to be gaining well and was using his calories to suck instead of running and playing. We got the med from the vet for his dam and started supplementing with Foal Lac mixed with a little Omolene 300. He is now about a week and 1/2 old and appears to be thriving - eats, sleeps, plays, developing an "attitude".

The second mare delivered at the vet's at 4:30 this morning. They called and said everything was ok, but the mare didn't have adequate milk. They said they had already given her Domperidone.

We are concerned with causation. Central Texas doesn't traditionally have a fescue problem, but I have calls in to Tx. A & M and to our Cty. Ext. Agent. We did give the mares some out of state alfalfa during the last trimester. Can that be contaminated?

Any other causes for poor milk production?

All three mares were over-weight early in their pregnancies, so were maintained on pasture alone (fertilized) for the majority of their pregnancies. They were given Omolene 300 during the last month or so....and a flake or two of alfalfa daily during the final few months of pregnancy.

With two mares due this summer, it would be nice to identify the culprit.

Any help would be appreciated.

Blessings,
Judy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 15, 2010 - 12:31 pm:

Judy, I am not clear as to whether there is fescue in the pasture or not...
DrO
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Thursday, Apr 15, 2010 - 2:13 pm:

Neither are we. We have not had fescue in the past. However, we had several years of DrOught, followed by a very wet winter and spring. Weeds and grasses we have never seen before have sprung up everywhere. They are shredding the pastures right now. Spoke with A & M this morning and the equine specialist (extension office) said they were experiencing the same thing - plants, weeds, etc., growing like crazy - some of which they haven't yet identified. He did say that some out of state alfalfa does have fescue in it. Also suggested providing loose minerals. We just switched alfalfa providers.

Also, we are wondering if low protein levels are possible. Since we were not graining most of the pregnancy, the mares were primarily dependent upon grass (fertilized) and coastal hay. Can lower than optimal protein levels adversely affect milk production? We did grain lightly toward the end of the pregnancy and gave some alfalfa. However because of a hx. of laminitis in one mare and the fact that they appeared over-weight early in pregnancy, we did not give them as much grain as we have in the past. These 2 foals were smaller than normal, late, and the mares were not producing adequate milk. The mares are still in good body condition - you can maybe feel their ribs, but they certainly aren't "ribby". We are just thinking that the grass/ hay could give them plenty of calories, but maybe not enough protein or calcium. They are getting alfalfa and grained normally now! Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.
Blessings,
Judy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Apr 16, 2010 - 7:52 am:

Certainly the first step is to ascertain whether there is fescue in the pasture or not, both the long gestation and milk problems could be the result of this. Low protein levels in the diet can adversely effect milk production but this seems unlikely if they are receiving a decent grass forage, a high protein concentrate, and 5 lbs (a flake or two) of alfalfa a day. Overall if the horses were in good condition I would expected a fairly normal lactation.
DrO
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