Spring means foal season. The arrival of a newborn foal is mostly a very joyful event. Most often the foaling happens without any complications and in a relatively short period of time. However, there is a list of things you should pay attention to when expecting a foal.   

Also read: 5 Facts About Foals – Do You Already Know Them all Or?

The first 24 hours are the most important  

It is said that the first 24 hours in a foal’s life is crucial for its future well-being. And there is something about it. A strong foal will normally show sign of willpower shortly after the foaling. It will lift its head, snorting and moving the front legs while it still receives blood from the umbilical cord. In this situation the best thing is that the foal is staying down for about 5-10 minutes or until the mare stands up and the umbilical cord bursts by itself.  

Born without antibodies  

A healthy and well-functioning foal is standing up about 1-2 hours after being born, and instinctively it will search for the mare’s udder. In general, concern should be raised if the foal is attempting to suckle all of the time. And it should have the fundamental and important drops of milk within the first three hours of its life. The reason is that the foal is born without antibodies. The colostrum is very important for the foal’s immune system to develop correctly. Furthermore, foals can have a tendency to constipation, and the colostrum helps with this.  

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Keep an eye on the newborn foal  

If you have observed that the foal has ingested the colostrum and has fertilized/urinated? Then everything should be fine. However, it is a good idea to have the vet checking up on the foal. The veterinarian will make sure that the foal is okay, has the correct leg position, if the navel area is fine and ask about the more general things such as fertilization, whether it is born on time, and nutrition. Several of the complications for a foal the first 24 hours happens because the foal does not get enough colostrum or milk in general.  

Therefore, be aware of the following:  

• Within 2 hours the foal should be able to stand without any help.  
• Ideally, the foal should stand and nurse within 30 minutes to one hour after birth  
• The foal should nurse around 3-4 times during an hour even they only drink tiny sips - the colostrum is vital. 
• When you touch the foal, it should not be cold. Its normal temperature is between 38,5 degrees and 39,5 degrees.  
• The mare should accept the foal, and not reject it when it tries to nurse or move away from it.  

Source: Extension Horses