Abstract

Examination of maternally derived colostral antibodies via a brix reader in the early postpartum period and prior to the foal nursing is essential. Foals are born immunologically naïve and receive their protection via ingestion of maternal colostrum. Some studies have shown that colostral antibody concentration is correlated to foal immunoglobulin levels, whereby neonatal ingestion of good quality colostrum in adequate quantities is essential to confer adequate protection to the foal. Testing of foal serum immunoglobulin levels is another critical step attending veterinarians must do in the early postpartum period. Foals that have low immunoglobulin levels tested at 12 hours of life, can be supplemented with banked colostrum administered via nasogastric while the newborn’s intestinal mucosa is able to absorb these large immunoglobulin molecules. This gut adaptation closes around 24 hours of life, after which if the foal is tested and found to have low serum immunoglobulin levels, only parenteral administration of plasma can be performed.

Keywords:Colostrum; Immunoglobulin; Foal; Passive transfer; Colostrometer

Abbreviations: IgG: immunoglobulin G; FPT: Failure of Passive Transfer; NI: Neonatal Isoerytholysis