Colostrum and the first hours of life

University of Minnesota Extension explains that foals depend on colostrum for protective maternal antibodies. These are not transferred to the foal before birth in the same way as in some other mammals. The first milk consequently has a role that ordinary later milk cannot replace.

The foal's ability to absorb these antibodies declines after birth. This makes timely nursing important and explains why newborn assessment should not wait until a problem becomes obvious. Seeing a foal beside the mare is different from confirming that it has successfully nursed.

A veterinarian can evaluate passive immune transfer and advise when intake or absorption is inadequate. A lively appearance alone does not answer that laboratory question. Maternal health, early milk loss and the newborn's strength can all be relevant to the history.

Preparation should include knowing who will observe the birth and how veterinary help will be reached. A weak foal, rejection by the mare or difficulty nursing calls for prompt assistance. This biological explanation supports observation and planning; it does not provide instructions for invasive feeding, plasma administration or treatment of a sick newborn.