Hooray, the foals are coming!

Equine Gestation

Gestation period: approx. 336 days (322-380)

Signs of Impending Foaling:

A few days to hours before birth: soft, sunken pelvic ligaments, vulva appears elongated, udder development (bagging up), low tail tone, "waxing over" (wax droplets on teats).

• If milk streams out immediately before birth, contact a veterinarian.

Immediately before birth: sweating, lying down/rolling, labor contractions (approx. 2h).

Duration of Birth: The expulsion of the foal begins with the rupture of the fetal membranes and the release of amniotic fluid; the expulsion phase lasts 20-30 min.

Afterbirth (Placenta): Typically expelled after approx. 30 min (maximum 2h).

• Carefully check the afterbirth for completeness (no tears or missing pieces).
• If the placenta is not expelled within this timeframe, it is referred to as a retained placenta; this is a serious emergency – please contact your local veterinarian or the clinic immediately.

The Healthy Foal

• Onset of swallowing reflex: 20 min after birth.
• Colostrum intake: at least 2 liters within 6 to max. 12 hours after birth.
  • First milk (colostrum) is thick, creamy, and yellowish – contact a veterinarian if there are any deviations.
• First standing: within 1h after birth.
• First nursing: within the first 2h after birth.
• First bowel movement (meconium): within the first 24h.
• Urination: from 6 to 11h after birth.

Care of the Foal:

Ensure a clean and quiet environment for the mare and foal, and make sure that only a few familiar people have contact with them (safety and hygiene aspect).

Clear the nostrils of amniotic fluid or membranes and dry the foal with straw or clean towels. Disinfect the umbilical cord with iodine solution (e.g., Betaisodona/Povidone-iodine).

Monitor the general condition and, if necessary, check the foal's body temperature during the first few days of life.

• Normal values in the first days: 37.2-38.9°C
• SNAP rapid test: This blood test helps us assess whether enough colostrum was ingested and if the foal has established immune protection. This examination is recommended approx. 12-18h after birth (earliest after 8h; latest after 24h).