Plasma immunoreactive calcitonin levels in pregnant mares and newborn foals.

This research studied changes in levels of calcium and the hormone calcitonin in pregnant mares and their newborn foals. It found that the mares experienced a rise in calcitonin before giving birth, independent of calcium levels. The newborn foals had higher calcium levels than their mothers, but similar calcitonin levels.

Research Methodology

• The research tracked and measured plasma calcium and calcitonin levels at various points in time during the last two months of pregnancy and at parturition (the action of giving birth) in nine pregnant mares and their newborn foals.

About Calcitonin Levels in Mares

• The study revealed that calcitonin levels in plasma rose in the days leading up to the birth of the foal. Notably, this increase was not linked to any changes in calcium levels in the pregnant mares’ plasma.
• This finding suggests that in horses, similar to cows, the secretion of calcitonin before giving birth is independent of plasma calcium levels. In other words, calcitonin secretion doesn’t seem to be controlled by calcium levels.

Calcium and Calcitonin Levels in Newborn Foals

• The research also found that the newborn foals had significantly higher plasma calcium levels than their mothers shortly after birth. However, the calcitonin levels in their plasma were not significantly different to their mothers’ at birth.
• This finding is significant as it highlights a difference in calcium levels between newborns and their mothers, while calcitonin levels remain the same. The results could provide valuable insight and further questions for research around equine health and development.