Evaluation of three strip tests for measuring electrolytes in mares’ pre-partum mammary secretions and for predicting parturition.

The research reveals a study on the efficacy of three strip test kits designed to measure the levels of calcium and magnesium in mares’ mammary secretions and their accuracy in predicting the time of parturition. The study was conducted on 35 Thoroughbred mares. The study found the strip tests to be critical in identifying the levels of these electrolytes, but their reliability as indicators to predict the time of parturition was considered somewhat limited.

Research Methodology

• The research was conducted on 35 Thoroughbred mares, from which daily samples of mammary secretions were collected during their pre-partum period. Each sample was then allocated a score.
• The levels of calcium and/or magnesium in these samples were measured using three different strip test kits and the results were correlated with standard laboratory measurements to establish their accuracy.
• The research involved two methods of analysis for predicting parturition time. The first method considered scores on the day of birth, whereas the second method included all prior scores during the pre-partum period, yielding a more comprehensive dataset.

Research Findings

• There was a significant correlation between the calcium and/or magnesium levels measured by the strip test kits and standard laboratory methods (P less than 0.001), indicating the strip test’s reliability in measuring these electrolyte levels.
• Regarding the prediction of parturition, the first method of analysis showed that most mares had a maximum score on their day of birth. However, the second analysis method showed that maximum scores often occurred prior to the day of birth.
• The research also considered the practical implications of using the test kits by calculating the number of nights spent attending mares and how often foaling was missed given specific strip test scores.

Research Conclusion

• The study acknowledges that while the strip tests are reliable in measuring the levels of calcium and/or magnesium in mammary secretions, their reliability in predicting the precise time of parturition is not as strong.
• The researchers suggest that these strip tests may be more beneficial in indicating when it is not necessary to attend mares at night, thereby assisting in practical considerations such as saving time and resources.