Watching animals give birth and immediately resume their daily routines is truly remarkable. It’s amazing to see ungulates like horses and giraffes deliver newborns that are up on their feet and moving around within minutes or hours. It makes me wonder what my own babies were doing all those months when they were just cute bundles of joy but completely immobile. Despite how quickly foals can get up and about after birth, the process is not instantaneous, as beautifully captured in this video of a newly born foal.
In the heartwarming clip, we witness a brand-new foal resting on the straw just after entering the world. The tiny foal is still shivering from the cold, while his mother gently nudges him, forming that special bond, cleaning him, and nudging him to stand up. It’s a tender moment of a mother’s care for her newborn, setting the stage for the foal’s first steps into the world.
The video, shared by Katie Van Slyke-Mabry, shows the newborn foal in its vulnerable state, still recovering from the birthing process. The blanket covering the foal provides warmth, preparing him to soon stand and nurse, aiding in his recovery. These initial moments of bonding, cleaning, and nurturing are crucial for both the mother and the foal, showcasing the tender care that every mother and newborn experience.
The first few hours following a foal’s birth are crucial for the well-being and survival of both the mare and the baby. After an approximately eleven-month pregnancy, the mare is ready to give birth. The early signs of labor in horses are subtle, with the mare displaying discomfort through tail swishing and hoof stomping. Moving her to a clean foaling stall and closely monitoring her is essential during this time.
The second stage of labor progresses swiftly. Once the mare’s water breaks, the foal should emerge with its front limbs and head first within fifteen to thirty minutes. It’s important to watch closely for any signs of complications, such as the appearance of a “red bag,” indicating placental abruption, which requires immediate delivery of the foal to prevent asphyxiation. The mare will typically lie down as the foal is pushed out, taking a rest after most of the baby’s body is born and then beginning the cleaning process.
The foal should ideally be able to stand within an hour of birth and begin nursing within two hours. The final indication of a successful delivery is the intact passing of the placenta within three hours after the foal’s birth. If any of these signs are missing, seeking immediate assistance from experienced veterinarians is crucial to ensure the health of both the mare and the foal.
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