Induction of parturition in mares: effect on passive transfer of immunity to foals.

This research article investigates the effect of induced parturition in mares on the transfer of immunity to their foals, finding a significant decrease in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in foals with birth induced mothers compared to those born naturally.

Introductory Details

• The study was conducted on 19 mares, out of which 11 were induced using synthetic prostaglandin. The remaining 8 mares were not treated and used as control subjects.
• Parturition in equine refers to the process of giving birth whereas prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance involved in controlling smooth muscle contractions during labor.

Immunoglobulin G Concentration

• The purpose of the study was to compare the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations between the treated and control mares. Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, play a crucial role in immune response, with IgG being the most common type in blood circulation.
• No significant difference was noted between the serum IgG concentrations of the treated and control mares. Nonetheless, this equivalence did not ensure a comparable level of passive immunity transfer to the foals.

Studies on Foals

• The foals from the treated mares exhibited significantly lower mean IgG concentrations 24-36 hours post-birth compared to foals from control mares. This demonstrates that although the induction of birth did not seem to impact the mares’ IgG levels, it did significantly affect the immunity transfers to the foals.
• Strikingly, four foals from treated mares either died or had to be euthanized due to weakness within the first 24 hours of birth. This points at the potential associated risks of induced labor regarding foal health and survival.

Comparison with Mothers’ IgG Levels

• The mean serum IgG concentration in foals from control mares was significantly greater than that of their mothers, indicating successful maternal immunity transfer during natural birth.
• Conversely, the IgG concentration in foals from induced mares was significantly lower than that of their mothers, suggesting a disruption in the usual passive immunity transfer process.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the study reveals significant impacts of induced parturition on the passive transfer of immunity to foals, potentially jeopardizing their initial survival and health.
• The results emphasize the importance of further research into methods of inducing labor in equines to optimize the health outcomes for both mares and foals.