Changes in serum total protein and immunoglobulin G concentrations and Brix percentages in neonatal Arabian foals from birth up to 21 days of age.

This research article summarizes a study investigating how the concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum total protein, as well as Brix percentages, change in Arabian foal blood samples from birth to 21 days old. Results suggest that diagnosing passive immunity status in foals can be reliably done 12 hours after birth.

Research Objective

• The study aimed to track the changes in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), serum total protein (STP) concentrations, and serum Brix percentages in newborn Arabian foals over their initial three weeks of life.

Methodology

• Twelve healthy newborn Arabian foals were selected for the study.
• Blood samples were collected from these foals at birth and then at consistent intervals until they were 21 days old. The intervals were at 12 hours, 24 hours, and daily until the tenth day. Additional samples were taken at 15 and 21 days of age.
• The concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), serum total protein (STP), and Brix percentages were measured using radial immunodiffusion assay and digital STP and Brix refractometers, respectively.

Results

• The average concentration of IgG increased from birth (less than 200 mg/dl) to 12 hours (2068.5 mg/dl) and 24 hours (2184.7 mg/dl), then progressively decreased until 21 days of age (1318.5 mg/dl).
• An interesting observation was that serum IgG concentrations at 12 hours showed a high correlation with each of the IgG concentrations measured throughout the 21-day period.
• Two of the foals were found to have given inadequate transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) based on their 24-hour IgG concentrations. Both of these foals failed to reach adequate levels of IgG, STP concentrations, and Brix percentages at any measurement point over the 21 days.

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that an assessment of passive immunity in foals is most reliably done 12 hours after birth.
• This is particularly important to identify any foals experiencing failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), allowing for early intervention and better health outcomes for the foal.