2014•Equine Reproductive ProceduresRequires access
Foal Rejection
Patrick M. McCue
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Abstract
Rejection of a foal by its dam can take several forms. The mare may: (i) avoid the foal; (ii) prevent the foal from nursing; or (iii) become aggressive toward the foal. Rejection is most likely to occur in primiparous mares giving birth to their first foal. Mares that have rejected a foal in the past have an increased chance of rejecting a subsequent foal. The mares are separated from their foal for a prolonged time interval in the early postpartum period have an increased risk of foal rejection. In addition, foals with behavioral or medical issues or are otherwise debilitated may be at higher risk of being rejected by their dam. This chapter discusses step by step procedure for preventing the foal rejection.