Abstract
Only a few reports exist in the literature concerning the types of leukocytes present in the colostrum and milk of mares. Recent studies in other farm animals suggest a role for colostral leukocytes in the transfer of immunity from dam to neonate. This report investigated the influence of EqStim® (Propionobacterium acnes; Immunovet, Tampa, FL) and levamisole, two immunomodulators, on colostral quality of mares and immune function of their foals in the immediate postpartum period. Although no enhancement in colostral quality or the immune function of foals by either immunomodulator was detected, no negative side effects to either treatment were observed. In addition, we believe this to be the first report to characterize the population of leukocytes present in colostrum obtained from clinically healthy mares. The mean percentage (±SE) of neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, and lymphocytes was 13.2 (±4.99), 22.4 (±8.57), 1.3 (±0.52), and 63.2 (±9.23), respectively. This profile of cell types present in the colostrum of the mare provides a reference point for future studies investigating the role of colostral leukocytes in the transfer of immunity from mare to foal.
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