Predicting the Time of Foaling

Kentucky Equine Research

When is that mare going to foal? This question has been asked countless times, and various warning signs have been cited as “foolproof” markers of impending birth. Just as many times, however, mares have proven that only they know when the time is right, and they see no reason to share their knowledge.

One more piece of information has come to light after a Japanese study. By checking the pH level of mammary secretions in mares during the last month of gestation, the researchers found that as long as readings showed pH levels above 6.4, the mare was at least 24 hours away from foaling. When pH dropped below 6.4, they determined that mares would foal sometime in the next three days. This held true for 98% of mares tested.

This test is easy for any horse owner to do at home, using standard pH test strips. Results might allow attendants to get a few more nights of uninterrupted sleep during foaling season.

Article reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research (KER). Visit equinews.com for the latest in equine nutrition and management, and subscribe to The Weekly Feed to receive these articles directly (equinews.com/newsletters).