Draft horse immunoglobulin g levels associated with perinatal abnormalities

This study aimed to evaluate the immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in colostrum and foal serum to examine the effects of peripartum mare condition on colostral immunity. Colostrum samples were obtained from 73 mares pre-suckling, one hour after foaling, and blood was collected from 178 foals between twenty-four to forty-eight hours after birth.

The average colostral immunoglobulin G concentration was 10,540 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) and average serum immunoglobulin G from the neonatal foals was 1,750 mg/dl. Colostral immunoglobuin G did not differ between mares with normal foalings or dystocias.

Serum immunoglobulin G was found to be lower in dystocia foals than in foals with a normal birth. This study provides reference values for colostral and foal serum immunoglobulin G values specific to draft horses and suggests that dystocia may interfere with the acquisition of colostral immunity in neonatal foals.

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Draft horse immunoglobulin g levels associated with perinatal abnormalities