An Investigation of the Suitability of Viscosity Detection in Estimating IgG Content in Mare Colostrum.

This research investigates whether the viscosity of equine colostrum can offer an effective estimate of immunoglobulin G (IgG) content, a determinant of colostrum’s quality. Using samples from 40 mares, it was found that measures of viscosity showed a significant correlation with IgG content, indicating that viscosity might be used as a proxy measurement.

Background of the Study

• The research is driven by the educational need to prevent hypogammaglobulinaemia in foals, a condition that can occur due to an insufficient supply of colostrum.
• Not only the amount of colostrum consumed and when it’s consumed matter, but also its quality is crucial. Specifically, the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG).
• The primary aim of this study is to discover if the viscosity of equine colostrum could serve as a valuable estimate for IgG concentration.

Methodology of the Research

• The study measured the IgG content of colostrum by using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
• Viscosity was directly measured with a cone plate viscometer and indirectly assessed with a funnel.
• The study analyzed 56 colostrum samples from 40 mares at different postpartum times which allowed the research team to assess samples with varying levels of quality.

Findings of the Research

• The study found a wide range of IgG concentrations (from 0.83mg/mL to 245.5mg/mL) and viscosity (from 1.84 cP to 110.00 cP at a shear rate of 3 rpm).
• The time it took for colostrum to drain from the funnel varied from 7.9 seconds to 30 seconds.
• Spearman’s rank correlation analyses were calculated because the data were not normally distributed.
• A significant correlation was found between viscosity and IgG content (ρ = 0.71, P < .001).
• There was also a significant correlation discovered between drainage time and IgG content (ρ = 0.75, P < .001).
• The interpreted correlation suggests that determining the viscosity of equine colostrum, either by cone plate or drainage time, could be a useful measure of IgG content.