Little to No Udder Development
Prior to
Parturition
A
lack of udder development in the pregnant mare may be due to a few things. However, a common reason for this is the
result of exposure to fescue grass in the pasture or hay. Fescue contains a toxin called ergovaline
that blocks udder development by inhibiting secretion of the hormone
prolactin. Hormone treatment in the
mare with domperidone may be attempted, yet it can be expensive. Or, the foal can be fed milk replacer after
receiving colostrum from another mare.
The National Colostrum Network was founded at the
University of
Minnesota-College of Veterinary Medicine.