Mammary secretions in normal spontaneous and induced premature parturition in the mare.

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.