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Product Profile

            The Need

            The Feeding

            Economics

            History

Milk Replacer Quality

            Sourcing of Quality Raw Materials

            Quality Checking

            Quality of Formulations        

Raw Material Sources

            Protein Sources

            Energy Sources

            Fibre

            Minerals and Vitamin Sources

Product Appearance

Milk Replacer

            Colostrum

            Feeding Guide for Sick & Convalescing Foals

            Feeding Guide for Healthy Orphan Foals

            General Feeding Recommendations

            Starter Ration, Weaning, Forage & Water

Technical Data Sheet

            Guaranteed Analysis

Formulation Objectives

            Why This Formulation?

            Why Specific Protein: Fat: Lactose Ration?

  Why Higher Feeding Rate?

  Milk Replacer Comparison

  Potential Advantages

Foal Growth

Energy Balance & Immune Competence

Environment

            Housing

            Socialization

            Exercise

            Climate

Features and Benefits

Useful Information

References

A specifically formulated milk replacer for feeding a newborn foal that is unable to nurse naturally or requires special feeding.

 

Ideal for Convalescing, Compromised and Orphaned Foals.

 

The Need

In an ideal world, all foals would be born healthy, vigorous and able to feed well.  Unfortunately, at birth the newborn foal can be compromised, debilitated and in a weakened state.  This may be because: 

1. The foal is weak and unable to nurse (e.g.) prematurity (born prior to 320 days of gestation); dysmaturity (full term but signs of prematurity); severe illness or malnutrition.

2. The foal has been orphaned for some reason (e.g.) complications of foaling or rejection of the foal by the dam.

3. The mare does not produce sufficient milk (e.g.) fescue endophyte toxicity, prematurity, maiden mare and complications of parturition.

Premature and dysmature foals are more susceptible to infection than normal foals.  Glycogen (energy) stores are depleted or will have failed to develop. Normal glycogen stores will only supply energy needs for 2hrs after birth (Ousey, 1997). 

 

A high metabolic requirement, low fat stores and possible illness means that the neonatal foal may be at  risk of malnutrition.

 

The Feeding

Newborn foals rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. 

Feeding the orphan, compromised or convalescing foal requires particular attention to detail and dedicated care. 

The first 8-10 days of life are critical for foal survival and provide a good foundation for future growth and development.

To maintain the health and growth of these valuable animals, it is important to provide the following:

1. sufficient milk (from at least 10% and up to 25% of body weight, dependent on age)

2. the correct formulation and highest quality ingredients

3. a complete foal feeding period (usually 8 weeks and up to 3 months of age)

Economics

The initial cost of an intensive feeding program often appears high. However, attention to the newborn and its feeding program will increase its chance of survival and development into a healthy foal.

 

History

Grober Nutrition has been manufacturing milk replacer for 30 years and is the major manufacturer of foal milk replacer in Canada.  Testimonials are available and on the web site.

 

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Milk Replacer Quality

Quality comes from several areas; the raw materials used the method of manufacture and the soundness of the feeding nutrition program. 

All Grober milk replacers are manufactured with the same important high quality guidelines.

 

Sourcing of Quality Raw Materials

 

Quality raw materials are sourced and selected for optimum digestibility, solubility, suspension and thus absorption by the young animal.

 

Most of the ingredients that make good milk replacers are by-products of the dairy industry. Great care must be taken in selecting suppliers.  Most raw materials come in a variety of grades. 

The standard of excellence in the milk replacer industry is to use FOOD GRADE raw materials, consistent with what is used for human consumption. 

 

The ingredients used in milk replacers must be palatable and nutritionally sound, but also be highly digestible and encourage the development of favourable bacterial flora in the gut to minimize digestive disturbances.

 

Quality Checking

All raw materials are checked on arrival at the manufacturing site, through a specific Quality Assurance program. 

Grober’s manufacturing processes follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and HACCP principles. 

The ingredients for each batch are computer logged and retained for one year. 

All finished products are quality controlled through identification, lot testing (every single lot of product made is tested) and guaranteed product freshness.

 

Quality of Formulations

Grober milk replacers are carefully formulated to provide optimum nutrition for the newborn animal.  There are more than 50 parameters met in formulating and manufacturing a quality milk replacer.  10 minerals and 13 vitamins are added to closely match and improve on the profile of whole milk.

 

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Raw Material Sources

 

Milk replacers are made up of four types of raw materials

1. Protein Sources

2. Energy Sources

3. Fibre

4. Vitamin and Mineral Sources

1/ Protein sources

The quality of protein is based on its amino acid structure.  Important parameters are:  the amount of amino acids to meet the newborn’s requirements, the relationship of each amino acid to the others and the availability of the amino acid to the animal.  Animals utilize protein for growth more efficiently when the supply of amino acids closely matches that of tissue requirements.

 

Milk protein is used to provide optimum digestion when fed at high intakes. Specific amino acids are added to improve the amino acid balance and meet high growth requirements.

 

2/ Energy Sources

Fat is extremely important in milk replacers.  Young animals require highly digestible fats in order to maximize growth potential.  

The correct ratio of energy to protein is required for the foal to best utilize nutrients.

 

A specialized high quality blend of food grade fats and oils are selected and blended for Grober milk replacers to meet energy needs of the fast growing young animal. 

The components of this blend are carefully selected for their high digestibility, fatty acid profile and saturation structure. 

The end product blend has a profile similar to that of milk fat. 

All of these factors ensure optimum digestibility for the young animal. 

Correct mixing of the milk replacer and temperature of water used will provide a uniform blend and low fat particle size (<1.5 microns).

These factors encourage optimum absorption capacity by the young animal.

 

Lactose should be the major carbohydrate energy source for young foals.  The intestine of the foal possesses limited carbohydrate activity except for lactose.

 

3/ Fibre

Fibre should not be added to milk replacers. 

A measure of quality of the ingredients can be seen in the fibre content being less than 0.15% (this would indicate all milk products being used). 

Some vegetable proteins can increase the level of fibre to 0.3%. 

Careful selection of raw materials and formulation is required to keep this level to a minimum.

 

4/ Minerals and Vitamin Sources

A balanced premix is used to provide high growth potential for this specialized management system. 

A specialized premix is provided to Grober under the expert guidance of Denkavit, a major manufacturer of premixes in Europe.

 

Vitamins deteriorate with exposure to light and air overtime, thus source and stability of vitamins are important to maintain availability for the young animal. 

Mineral sources can differ depending on the form in which they are provided. 

Different sources show different solubility and absorption characteristics.

Water dispersible forms are used for all milk replacers. 

 

Minerals and vitamins are chosen based on high solubility, suspend-ability and good distribution in the premix.

These parameters are important for optimum absorption by the young animal when producing a liquid feed.

 

The newborn foal is born with low reserves of vitamin A and vitamin E. 

Vitamin E in the milk replacer has been increased to 150 IU/kg to better support the young foal’s immune response. 

Selenium is also added at a beneficial level.

 

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Product Appearance

 

Grober manufactures milk replacers utilizing the unique process of “freeze crystallization”. 

The process utilizes liquid nitrogen gas with the milk products and fats during the manufacture of Grober milk replacers.

This ensures a high wetability and consistency for every lot manufactured, resulting in easy mixing at the correct temperature when preparing feed for animal consumption.

Product is prepared and packed in plastic-lined bags or pails to ensure constant freshness.  Once opened, always reseal bag and store in a clean airtight container (plastic garbage cans are suitable).

 

High quality raw materials and our improved processing methods provide a quality milk replacer with high efficiency and digestibility that can be fed at higher rates if desired. 

High quality starter feed is paramount in maintaining the early growth advantage provided by this system.

 

A quality milk replacer is vital for successful, healthy young-stock rearing.  

High standards of management and hygiene are essential to assure the newborn acquires adequate immunity. 

Newborns must be reared in clean surroundings that are adequately ventilated. 

Milk Replacer

 

Colostrum

500ml (2cups) every 2 hours or 250ml (1cup) per hour within 6 hours and up to 12 hours after foaling.

 

A newborn foal requires approximately 5% per kg bodyweight of colostrum that contains at least 3000mg/dL of immunoglobulins (Ig’s).  

Intestinal closure for antibody absorption is effectively complete at 12-24 hours of age. 

 

Feed small quantities of colostrum as often as possible to encourage intake. This will help provide protection against future infections via passive transfer of antibodies.  

Systemic antibodies acquired by absorption, last about 26 days. 

If mare’s colostrum is not available, use good quality frozen colostrum. 

Frozen colostrum can be stored up to two years.

Thaw colostrum at room temperature; never use a microwave as this will destroy many beneficial components. 

If neither is available, good quality cow’s colostrum can be used but duration of passive immunity is shorter.  

Blood IgG levels can be tested after the foal is 24 hours old.

 

Milk Replacer Mixing Instructions for 1 Litre of Foal-Gro

 

Feeding Guide for Sick & convalescing Foals: (e.g. 50kg at birth)

 

 

*gradually increase up to this level by end of feeding period

Adapted from Madigan, J.E. Vet.Med.Sept 1987, 924-928 and Oftedal, J Nutr.1983, Naylor & Bell, 1985.

  

Feeding Guide for Healthy Orphan Foals: (e.g. 50kg at birth)

Optimize feeding frequency and total volume per 24 hours for each foal

 

General Feeding Recommendations

1. These feeding programs should be considered as guidelines.  Changes in the feeding schedule may be required according to foal’s health, growth and size.

2. Wash hands before handling and feeding foal!

3. Approximately 55kg of powder may be consumed over the first 5 week feeding period.

4. Typically milk intake is 10%BW (day 1) and gradually increased to 20% BW (due to higher concentration of Foal-Gro) by day 10.

5. Frequent feeding of small amounts decreases chances of digestive upsets.

6. Monitor milk intake and growth/weight regularly to confirm that foal is growing normally. If a livestock or portable scale is not available, use a yard stick and weight tape for foal wither height and girth.  Weight (kg) = [girth (cm) x girth (cm) x length (cm)] ÷ 8,700.

7. Manure consistency is a good indicator that the correct amount and concentration of feed is being fed.  If persistent constipation or scouring is experienced, consult your veterinarian.

8. Reconstituted Foal-Gro must be consumed at 38-39°C (body temperature).  Use a thermometer.

9. The milk replacer solution can be served in a large calf bottle with lamb’s nipple or in an open pail.  Continued use of a nursing bottle can cause behavioral problems in the foal.  It is advised that you change to a pail as soon as possible.

10. Never bottle feed a foal with weak suckling reflex. Aspiration pneumonia can result from milk going into lungs instead of stomach.

11. To switch to a pail: let the foal suckle finger or you can attempt to stimulate suckling by rubbing finger against tongue and palate, then gradually draw foal to the bucket until the foal begins to drink, then gently remove finger.

12. Reconstitute Foal-Gro twice daily and keep refrigerated.  Discard any unused portion after 24 hours.

13. If warmed in microwave, only use at medium setting and mix regularly and thoroughly. Check temperature before feeding.

14. Do not leave the milk in an open bucket if foal does not consume it right away.

15. Clean ALL feeding utensils and equipment after each feeding:  rinse in lukewarm water, wash with a detergent in hot water, rinse with clean water.  Once a day soak cleaned equipment in disinfectant for 15 minutes (ideally a 10% bleach solution), rinse and dry thoroughly with a ‘clean’ towel.

16. Consult your veterinarian for any signs of disease, fever, parasites, …

17. If mare’s milk is insufficient for the foal’s need, wean the foal as early as possible and feed milk replacer only.

18. Foals that do not feed well may need to be fed by stomach tube.  This should be performed by a veterinarian.

19. Store powder in a cool, dry location, protected from the sun.  To maintain freshness, keep in closed clean plastic container.

 

Starter Ration, Weaning, Forage & Water

1. Introduce a quality, digestible foal creep feed (minimum 16-18% CP) from 2 weeks of age.  Offer small, fresh quantities twice a day.  Consult your local feed dealer for feed recommendations.

2. Intake of starter can be gradually increased from 125g/day until foal is consuming 1.3kg/day at about 3 months of age.  When the foal is consuming a minimum of 1-1.5kg of starter ration per 100kg of body weight per day for more than 2 consecutive days, the weaning process can be initiated.  Milk replacer intake can then be reduced until the foal is completely weaned.

3. Offer a good quality hay or roughage (leafy alfalfa) and/or grass on a free choice basis from 3 weeks of age.

4. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.

5. Consult your veterinarian for immunization and parasite control programs.

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Technical Data Sheet

 

GROBER FOAL-GRO

MILK REPLACER FOR:

Artificially Rearing Newborn Foals
Ideal for orphaned, convalescing and compromised foals

This feed contains added selenium at 0.3mg/kg

 

Guaranteed Analysis

 

Pack sizes: 20kg, 5kg  

 

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Formulation Objectives

 

Why This Formulation?

Mare’s milk is highly digestible and correlated with a positive energy balance for neonatal foals (Ousey et al, 1997).  

Foal-Gro has been formulated to mimic mare’s milk as closely as possible for neonatal foals. 

The formulation and feeding recommendations provide the correct energy density, protein, fat and lactose with additional fortifications of trace minerals and vitamins.

 

Why Specific Protein: Fat: Lactose Ration?

Foal-Gro provides the correct protein, fat and lactose levels required for neonatal foals that is important to promote health and growth.

Special attention has been made to  match mare’s milk from 1-8 weeks of lactation.  

The high digestibility and level of lactose required by newborn foals is provided. This requirement for energy is balanced for fat and protein.

 

Why Higher Feeding Rate?

Milk production in mares is generally about 3% of bodyweight per day as liquid milk. 

To better mimic the intakes obtained by a foal nursing her dam,

Foal-Gro is fed at a higher concentration (125g/L) than conventional foal milk replacers to meet growth demands on a practical, healthy feeding program. (Naylor & Bell, 1985)

 

Feeding rate determines energy intake, which sets limits on the growth potential.

The typical average daily gain for 2 month weaned foals is 0.95-0.98 kg/d (Knight et al, J.Anim.Sci, 1985).

Naturally, foals can nurse 4-7 times (up to 17) per hour during the first week of life. 

This decreases to 3 times per hour in the next few weeks of life. 

The Grober feeding schedule aims to provide milk as naturally as possible.  

It is a guide but each foal is an individual and so health and growth must be monitored and feed changed accordingly.

 

Foals should be fed approximately 8-10% of foal bodyweight (day 1) and gradually increased to 20%-25% by day 10.

 

Milk Replacer Comparison