Foal Support is one of the craftable items in the game. Users in the Nutritionist stream can craft it using iron, copper and selenium.

Course Article

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Foals in utero are susceptible to nutritional deficiencies if their moms are not fed correctly. Having the right balance of vitamins and minerals while still in the womb is very important for normal growth, development and future health of the babies. Minerals are of particular importance, because they often are not found in high enough levels in the mare's milk to provide the foal with proper nutrition after it's born. Thus, foals need to receive enough mineral in utero to allow them to store it in their liver for future use.

Copper is an important mineral for proper formation of cartilage while in the womb. Foals that do not receive enough copper while in utero are thought to be at a higher risk of developmental conditions leading to unsoundness. Unfortunately, supplementing foals with copper after birth does not prevent these developmental issues, so making sure the mare has adequate nutrition is key.

Iron is used in the red blood cells as part of hemoglobin, the transport structure for oxygen. It also is used in muscle oxygenation throughout the body. Having low levels of iron in utero can cause anemia in foals, particularly after birth if they do not have adequate liver stores. Anemic foals are prone to illness and tend to be "poor-doers". Supplementing your mare with iron can help prevent this.

Selenium plays roles with growth and immunity of foals. Its main role is removing free radicals that can cause damage to cells. Because of this property of selenium, foals that have selenium deficiency are prone to getting White Muscle Disease, which can lead to severe musculoskeletal and cardiac issues. Additionally they can have a compromised immune system. Selenium deficiency is also associated with angular limb deformity and tendon deformities as well. Selenium can be transferred to the foal through the mare's milk as well as in utero, so supplementing the mare with selenium during both pregnancy and nursing is vital.

The above minerals can be found in the product Foal Support, produced by a Nutritionist. The product helps reduce the chance of foal loss throughout pregnancy by ensuring the mare has all of the nutrients she needs to produce a healthy and happy baby.

1. Nonella, K.J. Supplementing your broodmare and foal. Horse Guard. https://www.horseguard.com/horse-nutrition-and-supplement-blog/supplementing-broodmare-foal/