Yield and composition of milk from lactating mares: effect of body condition at foaling.

The research article discusses the impact of a mare’s body condition at the time of foaling on the yield and composition of her milk. The study found that although milk yield was not significantly altered by body condition, the fat and protein content of the milk was, with the milk of fatter mares having a higher fat content but lower protein content.

Research Method

• The research was conducted on two groups of saddle mares, one group consisting of 6 mares and the other of 5. They were categorised as either ‘thin’ or ‘fat’ before foaling.
• The mares were freely fed after giving birth.
• The yield and composition of the mares’ milk were studied over the first two months of lactation.

Findings

• There was no significant variation in milk yield between the ‘fat’ and ‘thin’ mares. Fat mares produced approximately 16.5kg/d while thin mares produced about 15.4kg/d.
• However, differences were observed in the composition of the milk. Milk from the ‘fat’ mares contained higher fat content, but lower protein content compared to that from the ‘thin’ mares.
• The fat in the milk of ‘fat’ mares was found to be poor in short- and medium-chain fatty acids (C8-C14).
• Body condition also influenced milk fat output, with ‘fat’ mares producing 252g/d and ‘thin’ mares producing 187g/d. This suggests that lipid mobilization could vary based on body condition.
• These variations were also noted in the non-esterified fatty acids.

Implications

• The findings from this research offer valuable insights into the effect a mare’s body condition at foaling can have on the composition and yield of her milk.
• This could potentially inform dietary or weight management strategies for breeding mares in order to optimize milk composition and output.