Re: RC: New Foals in Cold Weather

[Bette Lamore <woa@stormnet.com>]

Dear Mary Ann
My friend has horses she has foaled out in January in Washington
State--- in the snow!!! They seem to do fine as they have their mother's
immune system transferred to them in the colosterum (I know I'm not
spelling that right, is there a vet on the line?). Anywho, her foals
have all been healthy as have mine that have been born in Jan in Paso
Robles CA in freezing weather.  At one time I foaled out 20 in Jan (bred
22 mares AI at same time after regumating them to synchronize. Boy was
that a lesson--- talk about one handed paperhangers with the crabs
during foaling time---but that's another story.
My only problem with foaling times have been foaling out late summer.
What happens is that the foals are healthy until they are put through
the stress of weaning.  By then they have received both series of shots;
however, the hot days combined with the cold nights of fall have caused
several of them to get foal pneumonia. Because of that, I myself prefer
to foal out earlier; the weaning time appears to be more critical to me
weather wise than the foaling time. Anyone else have this experience?
Bette Lamore
Whispering Oaks Arabians

> Spencer wrote:
> 
> Have never had foal in winter.  How much cold can the foal take?  Here
> in Tx we rarely go below 20.  But I have always planned for
> spring/summer foals so don't have to worry about the cold.  I won't be
> turning out if it is cold and wet but what about just cold???  We are
> having a fantastic winter.. highs in 60's to 70 and lows in the 30's
> with some frost-but frost is gone by 9am.  Any advice would be
> appreciated!!  The mare was NOT supposed to breed in the first
> place!! (stallion went through pond at the height of the drought!).
> She is lovely mare and belongs to my 12yo.  Baby has nice blood
> lines-Bask-Muscat-Al-Marah.  Happy New Year to all.   Mary Ann Spencer


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