CAL-GRO

CAL-GRO is a pelleted broodmare and foal supplement formulated to support skeletal development, cartilage formation and healthy growth from pregnancy through to weaning. It is formulated with ten key ingredients.

Calcium and phosphorus are provided in the ideal ratio of 2:1 alongside vitamins A and D, key amino acids, bioavailable silica, and fully chelated sources of copper, zinc, and manganese

Cal-Gro has always been an incredibly popular product with breeders to help optimise bone health. However, at Foran Equine we continually develop our supplements based on customer feedback and the latest scientific research. We are delighted to re-launch a new and improved Cal-Gro with the following changes:

• New pelleted format to make it cleaner and more efficient when feeding horses outside. It also increases palatability when supplementation is required while horses are on low feed rates
• Added Vitamin D to help with the absorption of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus
• Added Vitamin K has been included to help support bone mineralisation

A balanced diet is very important and should meet all your breeding stocks requirements. However, consider supplementing with Cal-Gro if:

• You are worried about mineral availability such as copper in grassland
• Your fields get very wet and heavy in the winter, potentially eliminating the effective absorption of some minerals
• You have had issues with developmental diseases in youngstock in the past
• Your foal becomes top heavy and requires less calories but extra nutritional support

For the best results, CAL-GRO can be fed to both the mare and the foal. Foal skeletal development begins during pregnancy, making mineral supplementation particularly important during the final trimester. Feeding CAL-GRO to pregnant and lactating mares helps support nutrient transfer to the developing foal and milk quality after birth. Foals can then be supplemented from approximately two weeks of age to support healthy bone growth during rapid development.

Developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) is more common in breeding programmes than many breeders realise. In a study of Thoroughbred stud farms across Ireland and the UK, approximately 28% of foals were affected by a form of DOD, with more than half of cases occurring within the first six months of life. While every breeding operation is different, these findings suggest that DOD is a widespread challenge rather than an issue unique to any one stud farm.

DOD is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, growth rate, management and nutrition. Providing balanced nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and early growth is an important part of supporting healthy skeletal development and reducing nutritional risk factors associated with DOD. For this reason, our nutritional team frequently recommends CAL-GRO to help support bone and cartilage development in broodmares, foals and youngstock.

If you are concerned about DOD within your breeding programme, our nutritional advisors can provide tailored guidance based on your mares, foals and management system.

When youngsters are being prepped for sales, there is additional pressure placed on their skeletal system which leads to bone remodelling and increased risk of skeletal issues. Therefore, providing Cal-Gro to youngsters during prep will be beneficial. However, we would always recommend feeding it from 2 weeks of age to help maximise bone density and health.

Want to know more about supplements that support skeletal growth and mobility? Speak with one of our equine nutrition experts.