The nurse mare industry has long been controversial, but practices are changing to provide a better outlook for orphan foals and mares. Traditional nurse mares were bred annually, leaving behind “throwaway foals” to be raised on milk replacer. However, a more ethical option has emerged through hormonally induced lactation (HIL), allowing mares to produce milk without being pregnant.
Laura Phoenix and Bronwyn Watts are two individuals who have transitioned to using HIL in their nurse mare businesses, Nursemares of the Northeast and Nursemares of Kentucky, and ColdSpring Nurse Mares, respectively. HIL involves giving mares hormones to stimulate milk production, allowing them to nurse orphan foals without leaving behind their own offspring. The process involves careful pairing of mare and foal to ensure successful bonding.
Good nurse mares must have proven mothering abilities, good milk production, and a gentle personality. Phoenix and Watts have built their herds through donations, providing retired broodmares with a fulfilling third career. Nurse mares are leased to clients for a flat fee, with the lessee responsible for all care and management of the mare during the nursing period. The use of HIL nurse mares is seen as a more ethical and sustainable option for raising orphan foals.
