Abstract
Eight Martina Franca pregnant jennies were selected in order to evaluate the transfer of colostral antibodies against equine herpesvirus type 1 in their relative foals after immunization with a commercial inactivated vaccine, compared with an unvaccinated group. Samples of serum and colostrums/milk were collected from jennies and foals under study starting from 10 min before and up to 21 days after the foaling. Specific anti-EHV-1 antibody titers were evaluated by means of a serum neutralization test, and the results obtained from both groups were analyzed. The serological titers in the vaccinated jennies was significantly higher (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in the specific time-point intervals in both groups examined (p > 0.05). The antibody titers in milk at the time of delivery and subsequent withdrawal (T0 and T1) were very high in both groups, but no significant differences were found between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the foal sera, a significant difference was found between foals in the vaccinated group compared with those in the unvaccinated group (p < 0.05). Finally, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the antibody titers found in serum and colostrum of jennies and the foal titers in the first time-point sampling (up to 12 h after foaling). The results confirm a substantial homology in the antibody production compared with other most investigated equids, highlighting the efficacy of the vaccination against EHV-1 of the jennies to ensure the protective immunity to their foals during the first weeks after delivery.
Highlights
The Martina Franca donkey (MFD) is an asinine breed of great value, native from the Murgia dei Trulli area, in the Apulia provinces of Bari, Taranto, and Brindisi, Italy
The aim of this study was to compare the titers of colostral antibodies against equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in serum and colostrums/milk samples collected from both vaccinated and unvaccinated Martina Franca breed (MF) mares and their foals starting from the day of the birth up to the 21st day after foaling, in order to verify the kinetic of the passive immunity in both groups under field conditions and to obtain information about the effect of the vaccination on the antibody status of the animals
The serological investigations were carried out on MF jennies raised in non-experimental field conditions, in open shelters, with the possibility of access to the pasture, and with the presence of other individuals belonging to the same breed and horses
Summary
The Martina Franca donkey (MFD) is an asinine breed of great value, native from the Murgia dei Trulli area, in the Apulia provinces of Bari, Taranto, and Brindisi, Italy. It is the largest Italian asinine breed, and because of the imposing size, the stallions of this donkey are widely used in the production of mules, in particular the Martinese mule, generated by the crossing with Murgese horse mares. The MFD population includes 850 donkeys with 25 stallions approved for breeding [1]. As reported by the FAO Domestic Animal Diversity Information System, the asinine breed of Martina Franca has been identified as endangered. Any conservation strategies aimed to preserve the health status of the animals and to achieve increases in reproductive success should be carefully considered.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
