>>> i felt too, for some reason, that Flekka was having a little harder time >>> than Maja, she just seemed more worn out by it? How old is she karen? >>> Maybe it was just a harder delivery.
Maja's 7 and Flekka's 13, and this was the second foal for each. Flekka had to push a little longer and harder than did Maja, but I don't think either really had a problem. Both were up pretty soon after giving birth. Honestly, I can't imagine better broodmares than these too, except for maybe Saga. I haven't met an Icelandic mare who's not a great mom...maybe they exist, but apparently not on our farm. :) I've used the milk opacity test for predicting foaling for the 9 foals born here, and it's been reliable...with one exception. The test is that you check one or two drops of milk 2-3 times a day on a black piece of plastic, something like maybe a black 35mm film canister works good. Approximately 12 hours before the foal is born, the milk will change from looking clear against the dark background to creamy. It's worked for every mare we've tested...except for Flekka. It didn't work in 2006, so I wasn't banking on it this year - and it didn't change this year either. Yesterday, however, her udder was very full, looking very different than it had, so we were still on guard. I'd still recommend the test - anything that can predict foaling for 7 out of 9 foals within +/- 12 hours is pretty good to me. Plus, it's free. BTW, the vet checked the immunity levels for both these foals and they tested in the highest ranges, unlike Landi, who in 2006 had to have a plasma transfusion because he didn't get his colostrums. I heard someone say recently that if you see a foal get a milk moustache with his first nursings that he didn't get his colostrums. That's not true - both of these foals had what appeared to be milk on their noses very early on in nursing, and both are fine. Bottom line - you can't trust any old wives tales to prove whether or not the foal got his colostrums. The only way to tell for sure is to have the blood test done. Of the nine foals born here, Sina had as full an udder as any, never leaked ahead of time, and was a willing mom. I was really surprised when he didn't get colostrums, and glad I had him tested. Anyway, both moms are lactating like there's no tomorrow, and both foals are nursing vigorously and apparently getting stronger every minute of their lives. I hope they are as healthy as strong as their 2006 full siblings, Kola and Isak. Karen Thomas, NC
