[Energy intake and body weight development of Warmblood foals that changed stud at weaning].

The research article aims to analyze the energy consumption and growth development of Warmblood foals that switch their breeding ranch at the time they are severed from their mothers. The study reveals that such foals, particularly those with lower body weight and body condition score at weaning and exposed to additional stress, require considerately higher energy compared to foals experiencing less stressful weaning conditions.

Research Methodology

• The study involved nine colts purchased at weaning, aged around 6 months to 1 year. These foals were moved to the breeding stud by their breeders either before or after they were detached from their mothers in their home stables.
• The foals were fed haylage, oats, and foal starter feed, while ensuring individual concentrate feeding by tethering them twice a day.
• Daily total hay intake was recorded, and individual concentrate intake, the foals’ body weight, and body condition score (BCS) were documented every four weeks.

Research Findings

• The daily total energy intake was 74 MJ per foal, measured in digestible energy, or 68 MJ in terms of metabolisable energy.
• Upon arrival at the stud, the foals had a relatively low body weight of approximately 285 kg and received a BCS of 4.2 out of 9.
• By the study’s conclusion, around 319 days later, the average body weight of the foals increased to 326 kg, while the BCS remained the same at 4.2.
• Compared to the findings of a parallel study with foals that were born and raised in the same stud, and therefore experienced less stressful weaning, the foals in this study had a higher energy consumption and slower growth.

Conclusions

• Warmblood foals that switch breeding studs at weaning and are exposed to additional stress factors require substantially more energy than their counterparts that remain in the same stud and experience less stressful weaning conditions.
• These foals’ initial lower body weight and BCS at weaning also play a role in their high-energy requirements.