Colostral and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in Standardbred mares and their foals at parturition.

The study measures the concentrations of three immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in the colostrum and serum of Standardbred mares and their newborn foals. The findings indicate that there was little correlation between the IgG levels in the colostrum and foal serum, suggesting that infections in foals are probably not related to failure in passive antibody transfer.

Introduction and Methodology

• The research investigates the concentrations of three types of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in the serum and colostrum of Standardbred mares and their foals. These immunoglobulins are essential proteins produced by the immune system to fight against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.
• The study involved 36 Standardbred mares from which serum was collected within 12 hours after giving birth. Their colostrum was collected within 6 hours after foaling, while the foal’s serum was collected 24 to 48 hours after birth.

Findings

• The average concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA in the mares’ serum after parturition were measured and various levels are observed.
• Similar measurements were done for the foals’ serum and the colostrum.
• However, the study found a weak correlation between the concentrations of IgG in the colostrum and the foal’s serum. This finding suggests that the IgG levels within the colostrum might not significantly influence the IgG levels in the foal’s serum.
• Correlations between IgM or IgA concentrations in the mare’s serum and colostrum, and in the foal’s serum and colostrum, were also not deemed significant.

Implications

• One of 36 foals had a serum IgG concentration less than 400 mg/dl, and 6 out of 36 foals developed infectious respiratory tract diseases requiring antimicrobial therapy.
• However, given that the immunoglobulins’ concentrations in the foals didn’t show significant correlation with the concentrations in colostrum or mother’s serum, it suggests these infections are probably not related to failure or partial failure of passive transfer of antibody.
• These findings have important implications for equine health management, especially when dealing with newborn foals’ immune development. More studies are encouraged to further establish the relationship between immunoglobulin concentrations in mares and foals, and the likelihood of developing infections.