Study Links Time Stabled After Foaling to Colic Risk in Broodmares

Broodmares are widely considered more prone to colic than other horses, but until recently there was little hard evidence on why. Researchers from the University of Liverpool, working with Rainbow Equine Hospital, studied medical and management records for more than 1,000 thoroughbred broodmares across 29 UK and Irish studs over two foaling seasons, comparing mares that developed post-partum colic with those that did not. The findings were published in the journal Animals.

The strongest associations with colic risk were how many days had passed since foaling and how many hours a mare spent stabled each day: the researchers calculated that the odds of colic rose by around 16% for every additional hour a mare was stabled. Most cases occurred within the first ten days after foaling, with risk falling steadily over the following weeks before levelling off around day 50. A recent course of anti-inflammatory medication or a previous history of colic were also linked to higher risk.

The research team is using the findings to encourage stud managers and owners to prioritise turnout in the weeks after foaling and to move away from unproven traditional practices, such as feeding bran mash or letting mares roll after foaling, that persist despite little supporting evidence. The British Equine Veterinary Association welcomed the study, noting that the clearer numbers should help vets explain post-foaling risks to clients and plan management around them, including closer attention to mares that have recently received NSAIDs.