Leukocyte modifications during the first month after foaling in mares and their newborn foals.

This research paper studies how blood cell counts change in mare horses and their newborn foals during the first month after birth, a time when they’re most vulnerable to diseases. The study finds significant alterations in white blood cell count and type both in the mares after giving birth and in newborn foals during the first month of life.

Research Methodology

• The researchers collected blood samples from nine mares and their nine newborn foals. The sampling spanned for a month, with a sample taken every three days, starting from the first day until the 30th day after the foal’s birth.
• These blood samples were examined for their count of white blood cells (WBC), and make-up of different types of white blood cells, also known as the differential leucocyte count.
• The data obtained were statistically analyzed using a two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), a test that helps to identify if there are any significant differences between groups or conditions.

Results and Findings

• Analysis showed that in mares after giving birth, the WBC count was significantly higher at the time of birth (T0) compared to all later times. It was also observed to be higher at T2 (two days after birth) and T3 (three days after birth) than at T1 (one day after birth).
• In contrast, in the foals, the WBC count was observed to be lower at the time of birth than in other periods, except at T1. Additionally, the WBC count was lower at T1 than at T8 (eight days after birth) and T10 (ten days after birth).
• There were significant changes noted in the percentage of specific types of white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes, in both mares after giving birth and in foals.
• According to the statistical analysis of the ANOVA test, there were differences between the blood cell counts in mares post-partum and the foals, as well as differences between postpartum mares and control mares.

Conclusion

• The results obtained from this research provide informative insights into how birthing impacts the number and type of white blood cells in mares and newborn foals during the most crucial stage after birth.