Post by Michelle Clarke on Feb 23, 2008 9:24:06 GMT -5
Two years ago we started utilizing test strips for mares milk to check the calcium levels, as they increase when the mare is close to foaling. We use both a water hardness test and a ph test to narrow down when we need to be camped out at the barn to watch the foalings and assist when we need to.
There are folks who have good luck with this method and those who do not due to the fact not every mare is the same. So far, we have been very happy with our results. We keep very good records so we can compare year to year the patterns of the mares, not only including the milk, but physical changes and behavioral changes too.
Each mare is taught how to stand in the stocks and be milked....while we only need 1cc for each testing and this does not sound like much, tell that to the mare who is impatiently waiting for you to quit pulling on her nitties so she can have dinner! Some mares get so used to it, we can just go in and milk them without a halter while they are eating. There are a few who don't appreciate it, but with time and patience, they get good at it.
There are folks who have good luck with this method and those who do not due to the fact not every mare is the same. So far, we have been very happy with our results. We keep very good records so we can compare year to year the patterns of the mares, not only including the milk, but physical changes and behavioral changes too.
Each mare is taught how to stand in the stocks and be milked....while we only need 1cc for each testing and this does not sound like much, tell that to the mare who is impatiently waiting for you to quit pulling on her nitties so she can have dinner! Some mares get so used to it, we can just go in and milk them without a halter while they are eating. There are a few who don't appreciate it, but with time and patience, they get good at it.