Veterinarians can perform a simple blood test to ensure the foal has consumed adequate colostrum. If the mare does not produce adequate colostrum, if the foal fails to suckle soon after birth, or if the foal’s system isn’t able to absorb the colostrum (this can occur in premature foals and those with a hypoxic [inadequate oxygen supply] gastrointestinal injury, inflammatory injury, or other illness), contact your veterinarian.

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