[Hematological reference values for foals in the first two months of life].

The research article investigates the normal blood parameters in young foals during their first two months of life. It includes measurements taken before they consumed colostrum and continues to track changes over several weeks.

Study Sample and Methodology

• The study was conducted on a sample set of 18 healthy foals, allowing for diverse results and a more representative understanding of typical values.
• Throughout the first two months of the foals’ lives, blood samples were taken at specific intervals, providing a comprehensive overview of the changes taking place in their bodies. The time points for taking samples included before colostrum consumption, and at 30 hours, 1 week, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, 7 weeks, and 9 weeks of age.

Findings on Red Blood Cells

• The study found that values for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) counts decreased during the first week of life. This could potentially be a normal physiological response to the transition from intrauterine to ex-uterine life.
• Interestingly, the RBC count values, but not the PCV and Hb values, increased towards the end of the second month. This may indicate some aspect of their growth or developmental processes.
• Except for the sample collected at one week, the mean RBC values in foals were significantly higher than those of the control group which was presumably adult horses.

Findings on White Blood Cells

• Another important aspect of the research was the study of white blood cells. The count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection, increased primarily during the first week. This increase could be associated with the protection against infections during the early stages of life.
• Lymphocytes, another type of white blood cells, showed a gradual increase throughout the first two months, suggesting ongoing development of immune functions.
• The researchers also measured the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N:L ratio), which varied over time, peaking at the first week and reaching its lowest point at five weeks. These changes could reflect variations in the foal’s immune response and physiological changes related to growth and maturity.