Foaling Procedure

Purpose. This procedure sets out how mares are monitored, foaled and cared for immediately after foaling at the Nagambie stud.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to all stud staff on the foaling roster from August to December and to any person assisting a foaling. It must be read with the Horse Welfare Policy and the Biosecurity and Disease Control Policy.

2.Monitoring mares

Mares within three weeks of their due date must be moved to the foaling paddocks or boxes and checked every two hours overnight by the foaling attendant. Udder development, waxing and behaviour must be recorded on each check. The foaling alarm must be fitted and tested where the Stud Manager directs.

3.During foaling

The attendant must observe from a distance unless the mare has been straining for more than 15 minutes without progress, a red bag appears or the foal is presented abnormally. In those cases the attendant must call the on-call veterinarian and the Stud Manager immediately and assist only as trained. Foaling kit, gloves and a torch must be at hand.

• Note the time the waters break
• Call the veterinarian at 15 minutes without progress
• Red bag: open the membrane and call the veterinarian
• Do not pull on the foal unless directed

4.After foaling

The attendant must check the foal stands and drinks within two hours and that the mare passes the placenta within three hours. The placenta must be kept for the veterinarian to inspect. The foal's navel must be treated as directed by the veterinarian and the foal must receive its first health check within 24 hours.

5.Records

The foaling must be recorded in the Horse Register and the stud foaling book within the shift: mare, foal sex and colour, time of birth, time to stand and drink, placenta passed, any assistance and the veterinarian's findings. The stud book notification must be lodged by the Stud Manager within the required period.

6.Problems

Any dystocia, retained placenta, weak foal, mare rejection or death must be reported to the Stud Manager and the Veterinary Liaison and Welfare Manager and entered in the Incident and Hazard Register as an animal incident.