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Topic: Weaning (Read 2588 times)
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TwinGates
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Weaning
« on: June 25, 2004, 10:03:45 AM » |
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There are different opinions about proper age to do this. A repro center newsletter says definitely @ 3 months. Rationale is it allows you to control & balance the diet and that balanced diet along w/unlimited exercise will redice the incidence of club feet and epiphysitis.
First of all, what's epiphysitis? Secondly, how does early weaning help avoid development of club feet? 
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Eileen
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Re:Weaning
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2004, 03:23:56 PM » |
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Here is a link on physitis (formerly know as epiphysitis). I know some recommend weaning at three months -- the club feet reduction is new to me -- . I would look more to the diet of both mare and foal during pregnancy and lactation as well as the trimming -- many don't trim foals early enough, IMHO. The unlimited exercise --- I heartily concur.
Here's the link:
http://www.ctba.com/02magazine/may02/DOWNONTHEFARM.pdf
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« Last Edit: June 25, 2004, 03:25:17 PM by Eileen »
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Joy
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Re:Weaning
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2004, 07:50:22 PM » |
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I don't wean before 6 months. A recommendation to wean at 3 months seems to me to a) take the position that we know better than nature about when to wean and why (which to me is the utmost arrogance) and b) totally ignores the emotional and social needs of the foal. Weaning is stressful enough without putting even more stress on an immature digestive system. The hind gut isn't very mature at 3 months, and that's where hay and forage are digested.
That said, I admit to being a holistic type of person, lookiing to what's natural for all my critters--dogs, cats, and horses (and myself, as well)--while making sure all needs are met.
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TwinGates
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Re:Weaning
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2004, 07:01:49 PM » |
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Thanks for the input. 3 months seemed too early to me as well. After researching many other sources, I'm more convinced that 5 1/2 - 6 months is correct.
Eileen, I totally agree w/you re: the feet trimming. Been doing my guy since he was 3 1/2 wks. old. He now allows his feet to be picked up @ any time - even in the pasture w/no one holding him and no halter on.
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TwinGates
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Re: Weaning
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2005, 07:56:14 PM » |
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Today was the boys' first day at "Kindergarten" (also known as the first stage of weaning). We separate them from the mares for 1 hr. in an adjoining paddock where they can see, but not touch, their mothers. On week #2 we extend it to 2 hrs. & follow this pattern for 8 wks. until the only time they're with their mothers is at night.
At the end of the process, they're 5 months old and basically weaned. We used the same process last year and had the most stress-free weaning - on both mares & foals - I've ever seen. No traumatic crying foals, no stressed mares pacing & calling.
Photo: Harry Houdini & Sam the Man on their first day of school! (Keeping careful watch on the mommies!)
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