Correlation of serum IgG concentration in foals and refractometry index of the dam’s pre- and post-parturient colostrums: an assessment for failure of passive transfer in foals.

The research evaluates how measuring certain protein concentrations in foals’ serum and in dam’s milk can effectively predict the failure of passive transfer (FPT), a condition affecting a foal’s health after birth.

Research Objective

• This study’s primary goal was to determine the relevance of measuring the differences in the values of serum total protein (DVSTP) concentration in foals and the refraction index (DVRI) of the dam’s milk before and after nursing. This measurement aimed to assess the incidence of the condition referred to as Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) in foals.

Research Methodology

• Serum samples were collected from 31 foals at different intervals following their birth. Paired milk and colostrum samples were also collected from 14 of their dams concurrently.
• Serum samples were analyzed for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and total proteins, using a single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) test and a temperature-compensating refractometer respectively.
• Colostrum and milk samples were analyzed for refraction index (RI) using a Brix refractometer.

Research Findings

• The study found significant correlation between the DVSTP concentration and DVRI with the serum IgG concentration. This correlation suggests that DVRI and DVSTP might serve as reliable indicators of serum IgG concentration in foals.
• The calculated negative predictive values (NPVs) for DVSTP concentration in detecting serum IgG concentrations <400 mg/dl and <800 mg/dl were found to be 98.2% and 91.3% respectively, when the cutoff value was set to 0.4 mg/dl and 0.8 mg/dl.
• Similarly, the NPVs of DVRI for detecting serum IgG concentrations <400 mg/dl and <800 mg/dl were 97.3% and 96.3% respectively, when the cutoff value was set to 6% and 10%.
• The research concludes that measuring DVRI is advantageous in assessing FPT. It is an accessible and cost-effective initial screening test, allowing for quick interpretation and decision making in the field.