Mammary secretions in normal spontaneous and induced premature parturition in the mare.
Abstract: Total calcium, total protein, albumin and globulin content were determined in 49 samples of mammary secretions from 37 crossbred and Thoroughbred mares. The mares were divided into three categories: Group 1--post partum samples from spontaneous full term Thoroughbred deliveries (n = 20); Group 2--pre- and post partum samples from spontaneous full term Thoroughbred deliveries (n = 6); Group 3--pre- and post partum samples from induced premature deliveries in crossbred mares (n = 11). Calcium concentrations of the mammary secretions proved useful in predicting full term and also in assessment of the chances of foal survival in prematurely induced parturition. Mean (+/- se) calcium levels in full term mares that foaled spontaneously (Group 1) were 10.6 +/- 2.7 mmol/litre on the day of parturition. However lower values than this did not necessarily mean parturition would not take place. In Group 2 mares, calcium levels were 4.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/litre just before foaling and rose to 9.2 +/- 1.5 mmol/litre within 20 mins of parturition; an increase of 124 per cent. Group 3 mares, induced prematurely, showed poor foal survival if pre-partum calcium levels were less than 3 mmol/litre. Total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations showed a similar trend but the increase just before or during parturition was much less marked.
Publication Date: 1984-07-01 PubMed ID: 6479122DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1984.tb01922.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The researchers have determined that the calcium concentrations in the mammary secretions of mares, can be a useful indicator in predicting a full-term birth and the survival chances of foals in cases of premature birth induction.
Study Design & Methodology
- The study evaluated 49 samples of mammary secretions from 37 crossbred and Thoroughbred mares.
- The mares were categorized into three groups:
- Group 1 included mammary secretion samples after full term spontaneous delivery in Thoroughbred mares (n=20).
- Group 2 comprised of samples taken both before and after full term spontaneous delivery in Thoroughbred mares (n=6).
- Group 3 consisted of samples taken both before and after induced premature deliveries in crossbred mares (n=11).
- The samples were analyzed for total calcium, total protein, albumin and globulin content.
Key Findings
- The calcium concentrations in the mammary fluids proved useful in predicting spontaneous full term delivery and assessing the survival chances of foals in induced premature births.
- The average calcium levels were at 10.6 ± 2.7 mmol/litre on the day of delivery in full term mares that gave birth naturally (Group 1). As such, even lower levels didn’t necessarily mean that delivery won’t take place.
- In Group 2 mares, calcium levels were at 4.1 ± 0.8 mmol/litre just prior to foaling and rose to 9.2 ± 1.5 mmol/litre within 20 minutes of delivery – a 124% increase.
- In Group 3 mares, those induced prematurely, foal survival was poor if the pre-partum calcium levels were below 3 mmol/litre.
- This trend was similar in total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations, though the increase before or during delivery was much less pronounced.
Implications of the Study
- The study suggests that the calcium concentration of the mare’s mammary secretions can serve as an effective biological marker for predicting full term delivery and assessing foal survival rate in case of premature inductions.
- However, this observation might not hold for severe calcium deficiencies. Also, this association remains to be further investigated for more nuanced understanding of the variables.
Cite This Article
APA
Leadon DP, Jeffcott LB, Rossdale PD.
(1984).
Mammary secretions in normal spontaneous and induced premature parturition in the mare.
Equine Vet J, 16(4), 256-259.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1984.tb01922.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Albumins / analysis
- Animals
- Calcium / analysis
- Colostrum / analysis
- Female
- Globulins / analysis
- Horses / physiology
- Labor, Induced / veterinary
- Labor, Obstetric
- Lactation
- Milk / analysis
- Pregnancy
- Proteins / analysis
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Mitchell ARM, Delvescovo B, Tse M, Crouch EE, Cheong SH, Castillo JM, Felippe MJB, Ainsworth DM, de Amorim MD. Successful management of hydrallantois in a Standardbred mare at term resulting in the birth of a live foal. Can Vet J 2019 May;60(5):495-501.
- Tainturier D, Tainturier B, Michaud S, Briand-Amirat L, Topie E, Moreno D. Progestagens Monitoring in 147 Mares in Order to Induce Foaling With Oxytocin. Vet Med Sci 2026 Jan;12(1):e70697.
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