It's foaling season here in North America, and the nutrition of the broodmare is key for a healthy foal. A pregnant mare's nutritional needs are not static, and they do change throughout pregnancy and lactation. For example, a mare in the first month of lactation has about double the calorie needs compared to maintenance! Protein needs almost triple, and that also means amino acids increase too. Vital nutrients need to be balanced and carefully changed to address the mare's needs at each stage of pregnancy to ensure the foal has the best foundation for proper development in utero and growth when born. Listen in for some general guidelines! Episode Photo Art: Soledad Lorieto/Upsplash.