The Six Simple Steps to Testing

Step 1: Begin testing the expectant mare 10 days before her foal date. Collect approximately one tablespoon of your mare’s secretion (“milk”) into the Collection Cup.

Step 2: Take one of the plastic test tubes, hold it up against the Predict-A-Foal Test Chart and fill to the lower line with the test solution. It doesn’t have to be perfect but the closer the better. Place in tube-holder, which is built into the test kit box.

Step 3: Using one of the small plastic syringes, draw up 0.6 ml of milk into the syringe.

Step 4: Empty the contents of the syringe into the solution in the test tube. Cover tube with cap. Invert the tube VERY GENTLY 2 – 3 times to mix the solution.

Step 5: Remove one of the test strips from the plastic vial and dip into the solution in the test tube, making sure all the green squares on the strip are thoroughly covered. NOTE: It is important when performing this that your hands are clean and dry and that only the white plastic tip is held. On no account should you touch any of the green test squares, nor should the strip come into contact with any liquid other than the Test Solution.

Step 6: Quickly remove the test strip from the tube, shake off excess liquid and note the color change after one minute, comparing the strip with the Predict-A-Foal Color Chart. The more squares change to red, the closer you are to having a foal.

Note: The above is only a simple outline of the test. Please read the complete guide for a full understanding of test procedures and interpretation of results.



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Step 6



Generally speaking, if there is no color change when you perform the test, it is safe to wait at least 2 or 3 days before retesting the mare, but always look for significant changes in the mare’s behavior which may indicate foaling is approaching. Once squares begin to change color it is advised to test every 24 hours, preferably at night. At a four square change, testing should be done every 12 hours. At a five square change, grab a seat and prepare yourself; she or he will be her in 12 hours time.

The color of the secretion obtained also has some influence on the frequency of performing the test. Pale, relatively transparent, watery yellow fluid usually indicates that the mare is a considerable time away from foaling, and this coupled with very little color change on the test strips would allow one to wait at least 2 – 3 days before retesting. If the secretion is milky white, plentiful, thick and sticky, but the color changes are minimal, one should only wait 24 hours before a retest.

The speed at which the squares change color is also very helpful. A rapid change in 3 – 4 of the squares indicates that the mare is closer to foaling than a similar color change which takes a full 60 seconds. Mares which produce a secretion that causes a rapid color change in all five squares will usually foal within six hours. Every mare is unique and as we tell all of our horse owners, patience is a must.