COMPONENTS IN MARES MILK IN RELATION TO S TAGE OF LACTATION AND ENVIRONMENT

The milk of 28 warmblood mares from 4 different studs was examined reg ularly from the first week to the 16th and 24th week of lactation. The following parameters were analysed: total protein, lactose, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, selenium and iron. There was no influ ence of age, number of previous lactations or feeding on any of these parameters. There was a highly significant positive correlation betwee n total protein, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. In the third month of lactation the daily secretion of total protein in mare's milk was only 35,8 % of the foal's needs, and the secretion of iron was 11,5 %. Selenium was the only parameter which was in sufficient amounts in th e milk.