The relation of maternal fluid balance to offspring passive immunity.

This research examined how, at the time of birth, changes in a horse mare’s fluid balance affected the passive immunity or immune system of the foal. It was found that the mare’s water intake after giving birth was significantly related to the immunity levels of the foal.

Research Methodologies and Participants

• Twelve Thoroughbred mares and their foals were studied in this research project, specifically focusing on suckling behavior in the 12 hours post-birth.
• Various aspects such as water intake, packed cell volume (a measure of the concentration of red cells in the blood), plasma protein concentration, and plasma osmolality (a measure of the concentration of particles in a solution) of the mare were measured before and after giving birth.
• The foals’ immunoglobulin (IgG), which is an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune system, concentrations were measured at birth and 24 hours later.

Findings

• The researchers found a median increase in the mares’ packed cell volume of 4.0% from before to after birth.
• The median increases in the mares’ plasma protein and plasma osmolality after birthing were 0.9 g/dL and 2.5 milliosm/kg, respectively.
• There was a significant increase in the mares’ daily water intake, from a median of 13.8 L before birth to 42.1 L 24 hours after.
• Importantly, it was found that the foals’ IgG at 24 hours was significantly associated with the water intake of the mare in the 12 hours following birth.
• During the first 4 hours of the foals’ lives, the median duration of suckling was 20 minutes, and in the first 12 hours, it was 85 minutes. The median number of suckling bouts was 34 during the first 12 hours post-birth.

Implications

• This study suggests that maternal fluid balance, specifically water intake, has a significant impact on the development of the foal’s immune system.
• Understanding this relationship could lead to improved care of pregnant and nursing mares to ensure the best possible start for newborn foals.