Arabian Foals Research Articles

Deletion of 2.7kb near HOXD3 in an Arabian horse with occipitoatlantoaxial malformation.

In the horse, the term occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM) is used to describe a developmental defect in which the first cervical vertebra (atlas) resembles the base of the skull (occiput) and the second cervical vertebra (axis) resembles the atlas. Affected individuals demonstrate an abnormal posture and varying degrees of ataxia. The homeobox (HOX) gene cluster is involved in the development of both the axial and appendicular skeleton. Hoxd3-null mice demonstrate a strikingly similar phenotype to Arabian foals with OAAM. Whole-genome sequencing was performed in an OAAM-affected horse (OAAM1) and seven unaffected Arabian horses. Visual inspection of the raw reads within the region of HOXD3 identified a 2.7-kb deletion located 4.4kb downstream of the end of HOXD4 and 8.2kb upstream of the start of HOXD3. A genotyping assay revealed that both parents of OAAM1 were heterozygous for the deletion. Additional genotyping identified two of 162 heterozygote Arabians, and the deletion was not present in 371 horses of other breeds. Comparative genomics studies have revealed that this region is highly conserved across species and that the entire genomic region between Hoxd4 and Hoxd3 is transcribed in mice. Two additional Arabian foals diagnosed with OAAM (OAAM 2 and 3) were genotyped and did not have the 2.7-kb deletion. Closer examination of the phenotype in these cases revealed notable variation. OAAM3 also had facial malformations and a patent ductus arteriosus, and the actual malformation at the craniocervical junction differed. Genetic heterogeneity may exist across the HOXD locus in Arabian foals with OAAM.

Quantitative Analysis and Development of the Fore Feet of Arabian Foals from Birth to 1 Year of Age.

Objectives The goal of this study was to quantify external and internal anatomical characteristics of the foal foot throughout the first year of age. Methods Digital radiographs and photographs were taken bimonthly of the forefeet of nine Arabian foals, beginning at about 2 weeks of age until 12 months of age. Sixty-eight linear and angular variables were measured using NIH (National Institutes of Health) Image J software. Statistical analyses were performed using piecewise random coefficient model and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Distinct changes in hoof development were identified between 4 and 8 months of age. Distinct changes were identified in several external (conformational) measurements including hoof solar widths and lengths, palmar heel lengths, toe and heel angles and in several internal (radiographic) measurements including the widths and lengths of the phalanges and sesamoid bones as well as joint angles. Clinical Significance Existing knowledge of distal limb development in foals, particularly the foot, is limited. These findings define the measurable changes of the foal foot as it grows during the first year of life. These data provide an insight into the transformation of the hoof from its initial oval to a circular shape and from a club-like, cylindrical conformation to a more angled, conical conformation. This paper quantifies this development, ultimately allowing a better understanding of morphological changes in the foot of the growing foal.

Defining Trends in Global Gene Expression in Arabian Horses with Cerebellar Abiotrophy.

Equine cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease that affects the Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum and causes ataxia in Arabian foals. Signs of CA are typically first recognized either at birth to any time up to 6months of age. CA is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on equine chromosome 2 (13074277G>A), located in the fourth exon of TOE1 and in proximity to MUTYH on the antisense strand. We hypothesize that unraveling the functional consequences of the CA SNP using RNA-seq will elucidate the molecular pathways underlying the CA phenotype. RNA-seq (100bp PE strand-specific) was performed in cerebellar tissue from four CA-affected and five age-matched unaffected horses. Three pipelines for differential gene expression (DE) analysis were used (Tophat2/Cuffdiff2, Kallisto/EdgeR, and Kallisto/Sleuth) with 151 significant DE genes identified by all three pipelines in CA-affected horses. TOE1 (Log2(foldchange)=0.92, p=0.66) and MUTYH (Log2(foldchange)=1.13, p=0.66) were not differentially expressed. Among the major pathways that were differentially expressed, genes associated with calcium homeostasis and specifically expressed in Purkinje neurons, CALB1 (Log2(foldchange)=-1.7, p<0.01) and CA8 (Log2(foldchange)=-0.97, p<0.01), were significantly down-regulated, confirming loss of Purkinje neurons. There was also a significant up-regulation of markers for microglial phagocytosis, TYROBP (Log2(foldchange)=1.99, p<0.01) and TREM2 (Log2(foldchange)=2.02, p<0.01). These findings reaffirm a loss of Purkinje neurons in CA-affected horses along with a potential secondary loss of granular neurons and activation of microglial cells.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal growth between full siblings Arabian foals gestating in their genetic dams and embryo transfer recipients

The effect of CO2 partial pressure was evaluated during the CO2 chemisorption in penta lithium aluminate (Li5AlO4), using different CO2 and O2 partial pressures in the presence or absence of alkaline carbonates. Results showed that using low PO2 (0.1) did not affect the kinetic and final CO2 chemisorption process. Moreover, small additions of oxygen (PO2 = 0.05) into the mixture flue gas, seemed to increase the CO2 chemisorption. Additionally, the presence of alkaline carbonates modified the CO2 capture temperature range. CO2 chemisorption kinetic parameters were determined assuming a double exponential model where direct CO2 chemisorption and CO2 chemisorption controlled by diffusion processes are considered. Finally, ionic diffusion was analyzed by ionic conduction analysis, where all the gravimetric and ionic measurements were in good agreement showing different diffusion processes depending on temperature. Finally, the oxygen and alkaline carbonate additions have positive effects during the CO2 chemisorption process in Li5AlO4, and a possible reaction mechanism is presented.

Incidence of palmar process fractures of the distal phalanx and association with front hoof conformation in foals.

Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of fractures of the palmar processes (PP) of the distal phalanx in foals. However, information on the prevalence of such fractures in different breeds and the effect of predisposing factors, such as hoof conformation, is limited. To examine the prevalence of distal phalanx PP fractures in foals and report the relationship of distal limb and hoof conformation with the prevalence of fracture. Longitudinal study. Front hooves of 19 Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Arabian foals were examined. Digital radiographic and photographic images of the distal aspect of the forelimbs were taken at ∼2.5 month intervals. Five radiographic projections of each limb were as follows: lateromedial; horizontal beam dorsopalmar; dorso60°proximal-palmarodistal oblique; dorso60°proximo45°lateral-palmarodistomedial oblique; and dorso60°proximo45°medial-palmarodistolateral oblique. The relationship between measurements and the prevalence of fractures was assessed by 3-way ANOVA. Fractures were found in 74% (n = 14) of the foals during the study period. The prevalences of lateral PP and medial PP fractures were not significantly different. Several hoof measurements were associated with PP fractures. Longer dorsal length of the distal phalanx was associated with medial PP fractures, while smaller lateral angle and shorter lateral palmar length were associated with a higher prevalence of lateral PP fractures. This study revealed a high prevalence of PP fractures in young foals, particularly in Thoroughbred foals. The hoof conformation may be one of the contributory factors to PP fractures in foals.

Pattern of Development in Foals from Four Different Breeds between Birth and Weaning

Several studies have shown a major development in height and cannon bone circumference in foals from birth to weaning and from different breeds. However, in Brazil, there is little information about foal development. For this reason, this study has used data on foals from seven different farms in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, where horses have a major economic importance. The aim of this study was to compare foal’s development from four breeds and to develop a regression formula in order to estimate such development. It was used data from 210 suckling foals (Arabians n = 18, Campolina n = 86, Mangalarga Marchador n = 42 and Quarter Horses n = 64), raised in similar management practices. Their height at withers, heart girth, and cannon bone girth were measured monthly from birth to weaning. Data we reanalyzed by ANOVA and Tukey Test, with P established in 5%. The highest mean of height at withers was observed in the Arabian foals, and it was similar to Campolina and Mangalarga Marchador foals. The last breed presented a higher percentage of gain in height (~36%) and higher heart girth. On the other hand, Campolina foals had the highest mean of cannon bone girth. There was a significant interaction between breed and development phase in heart and cannon bone girths. All regression for mulas obtained from this data was very significant, and it was showed that they can predict height at withers in the four breeds studied. Heart and cannon bone girths showed medium value of R2 and large significance. It is important to highlight that fetal programing produces significant impact on foal development, even after weaning. So, this study would have observed some more changes if its scope had been extended beyond this phase.

The carrier prevalence of severe combined immunodeficiency, lavender foal syndrome and cerebellar abiotrophy in Arabian horses in South Africa

The carrier prevalence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), lavender foal syndrome (LFS) and cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) in Arabian foals in South Africa was determined in order to quantify the potential impact of these conditions locally. Furthermore, the carrier prevalence of SCID prior to and following the introduction of a genetic test was compared to evaluate the effect of testing in the population. To estimate the carrier prevalence of SCID, LFS and CA in registered purebred Arabians born in South Africa in the 2004/5 and 2009/10 foaling seasons and compare the changes in prevalence in these disorders between the 2 groups of foals. Cross-sectional survey. Samples were collected from individuals randomly selected from 2 populations of purebred Arabian foals born during the 2004/5 and 2009/10 foaling seasons. Genetic testing for SCID, LFS and CA was performed on DNA extracts using specific polymerase chain reactions, with the products being analysed using fragment analysis on a genetic analyser. The carrier prevalence of LFS and CA for the 2009/10 season was 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.6-17.0%) and 5.1% (95% CI 2.5-9.1%), respectively, with no statistically significant change in prevalence between the 2004/5 and 2009/10 foaling seasons. However, the carrier prevalence of SCID was found to have decreased significantly from 6.4% (95% CI 4.8-8.3%) in the 2004/5 foals to 3.4% (95% CI 2.2-5.1%) in the 2009/10 foals (P = 0.009). The results of this study indicate that genetic screening of Arabian horses for SCID may have played a role in significantly reducing the carrier prevalence within the breeding population and thereby reducing the birth of clinically affected individuals. This study provides an indication of the positive effect of genetic screening for specific conditions in horses.

Two- and Three-Dimensional Anatomy of Paranasal Sinuses in Arabian Foals

ABSTRACTThe 2- and 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy and the morphometric properties of the paranasal sinuses of the foal have received little or no attention in the literature. The aim of this study was to obtain details of the paranasal sinuses using multiplane CT imaging to create 3D models and to determine morphological and morphometric data for the sinuses using the 3D models. The heads of five female foals were used in this study. The heads were scanned using computed tomography (CT) in the rostrocaudal direction. After the heads had been frozen, anatomical sections were obtained in the scan position. The 3D models of sinuses and the skull were prepared using MIMICS®. These models were used to assess the surface area and volume of the sinuses, the width, height and orientation of the apertures connecting these sinuses and finally the planar relation of the sinuses with the skull. The right and left sides of all anatomical structures, except the sphenoid sinuses, had symmetric organization on CT images and anatomical sections. The total sinus surface area and volume on both sides were 214.4 cm2 and 72.9 ml, respectively. The largest and the smallest sinuses were the frontal sinus (41.5 ml) and the middle conchal sinus (0.2 ml), respectively. It was found that the planes bounding the sinuses passed through easily palpable points on the head. In conclusion, 3D modeling in combination with conventional sectional imaging of the paranasal sinuses of the foal may help anatomists, radiologists, clinicians and veterinary students.

HERITABILITY PARAMETERS FOR SOME BODY MEASUREMENTS IN TURKISH ARABIAN FOALS

Summary The aim of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters of body measurements in Turkish Arabian foals. Records of wither height, front cannon circumference, heart girth, and body length were used for body measurements at birth, 6 months of age, 1-year-old and 2-year-old. Heritability of body measurements of Turkish Arabian foals was estimated by using records of foals sired by stallions which had at least 5 foals. Body measurement records at birth of 1597 foals sired by 40 stallions were used in heritability calculation of withers height, front cannon circumference, and heart girth. Heritability of all body measurements was estimated by paternal half-sib method. Estimated heritability ranged from 0.05 (heart girth) to 0.58 (wither height). Heritability estimates can be used to improve body measurements of Turkish Arabian horses. These results indicate that mass selection method based on the individual phenotype of the horses at different ages can provide genetic improvement in the herd. Phenotypic correlations between body measurements at consecutive age periods were all positive, ranging from 0.22 to 0.63. Thus, early body measurements of the Turkish Arabian foals can be used for prediction of the size of the adult horse.

Role of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes in juvenile idiopathic epilepsy in Arabian foals

Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy (JIE) in Arabian foals resembles benign-familial neonatal convulsion (BFNC) syndrome, a rare idiopathic epilepsy of new-born humans. BFNC syndrome exhibits genetic heterogeneity, as has been hypothesised to occur in Arabian foals, and is known to be caused by mutations in the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes. The close phenotypic characteristics of both Arabian foals and children suggest these epileptic syndromes are caused by the same genetic disorder. In horses, the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes are located on the terminal region of chromosomes 22 and 9, respectively, essentially homologous to their location on chromosomes 20q13.3 and 8q24 in humans.Gene trees for the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes between horses and other mammals, particularly humans and mice, were constructed and compared to widely accepted mammalian phylogenetic trees. The KCNQ2 gene tree exhibited close clustering between horses and humans, relative to horses and mice, in contrast to the evolutionary trees of other mammals. Distance values between the horse and human groups were lower as opposed to those found between the horse and mouse groups. The similarity between the horse and the human, especially for the KCNQ2 gene, where the majority of mutations causing BFNC have been found, supports the hypothesis of similar heritable and genetic patterns of the disease in both species and suggests that contrary to the classic mouse-model concept, humans may be a more suitable model for the study of JIE in Arabian foals.

Early Selection According to Repeatability of Body Measurements of Turkish Arabian Foals

Early Selection According to Repeatability of Body Measurements of Turkish Arabian Foals

Seizures in an Arabian foal due to suspected prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism

SummaryThis Case Report describes a 5‐week‐old male Arabian foal of Egyptian bloodline with generalised seizures due to hypocalcaemia. The laboratory changes in this foal were consistent with an abnormal regulation of calcium as occurs with hypoparathyroidism. Prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism as reported in man was suspected. The foal received oral calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation combined with the calcium sparing diuretic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. Calcium concentrations increased gradually over 6 months. In Arabian foals, especially those of Egyptian bloodline suffering suspected juvenile epilepsy, hypocalcaemia should be ruled out as a cause of seizures.

Lavender foal syndrome in Arabian horses is caused by a single‐base deletion in the MYO5A gene

SummaryLavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal recessive lethal disorder affecting Arabian foals which is also characterized by a dilute coat colour and severe neurological signs. Dilute mouse and rat mutants, and Griscelli syndrome type 1 in humans, which are characterized by similar clinical signs, are caused by mutations in the MYO5A gene. MYO5A was, therefore, identified as a possible candidate gene for LFS. Sequencing of the coding region identified a single‐base deletion in a conserved region of the tail domain. The deletion produces a truncated protein product through the insertion of a premature stop codon (p.Arg1487AlafsX13). The deletion was confirmed as the causative mutation by genotyping affected, carrier and normal individuals.

Congenital Cardiac Defects in Neonatal Foals: 18 Cases (1992–2007)

Literature available regarding congenital cardiac defects in foals is limited to reports of individual cases or small case series. To describe the clinical, echocardiographic, and necropsy findings and breed predilection of congenital cardiac defects in neonatal foals. Eighteen foals < 15 days of age with 1 or more congenital cardiac defects. Medical records of foals diagnosed with congenital cardiac defects at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Data collected included history, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic and necropsy results, and outcome. Arabian foals represented 39% of cases with congenital cardiac defects and were significantly (P = .004) overrepresented (OR = 4.7 [CI: 1.8-12.4]) compared with the general hospital population. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) (14/18), tetralogy of Fallot (5/18), and tricuspid valve atresia (4/18) were the most common defects identified. A > or = 3/6 heart murmur (14/ 14) accompanied by tachycardia (14/17), tachypnea (17/17), and cyanosis of mucous membranes (7/16) were the most common clinical signs. Concurrent congenital defects were common (9/18). Two foals, both with VSD, survived for > or = 8 years after diagnosis and 1 was a successful performance horse. Arabian horses appear to have a predisposition for cardiac defects. The presence of a loud murmur (> or = 3/6), cyanotic membranes, and tachycardia or tachypnea in a neonatal foal should warrant thorough evaluation of the heart for congenital defects. Foals with cardiac defects should be closely evaluated for concurrent congenital defects in other body systems.

Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy in Egyptian Arabian Foals: 22 Cases (1985–2005)

Background:Epilepsy is relatively uncommon in horses compared with other species and limited information is available.Hypothesis:The objectives of the study were to describe the age of onset, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, electroencephalographic findings, treatment, and outcome, including long‐term prognosis in Arabian foals with idiopathic epilepsy.Animals:Twenty‐two foals were included in the study.Materials and Methods: Medical records from 1985 to 2005 were reviewed.Results:The age of onset of affected foals ranged from 2 days to 6 months. Seizures were characterized by generalized tonic and clonic motor activity, staring, and loss of consciousness. The most common postictal signs were transient blindness and abnormal mental status. The interictal neurologic examination was otherwise normal. Clinicopathologic data and imaging diagnostics were normal except in 4 foals that developed complications. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform activity in 9 of 13 foals. Foals were treated with benzodiazepines for the short‐term; whereas phenobarbital was used over the long‐term. Potassium bromide was added in 3 foals in which seizures were multiple, frequent, and difficult to control. The long‐term prognosis was favorable with cessation of seizures by 1 year of age. The most common complication was head trauma. The most common concurrent disease was pneumonia.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy of Egyptian Arabian foals has an early clinical onset but appears to be self‐limiting. Information obtained from this study strongly suggests a heritable condition that merits further investigation.

Nitrogenous metabolism in Thoroughbred and Arabian foals from birth to five months of age

The maturation of nitrogen metabolism was studied in six Thoroughbred and six Arabian foals. Rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates and serum concentration of several hematochemical parameters (total protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and albumine) were monitored from birth to 5 months of age. In both breeds, all the parameters except albumine showed significant differences over time (P&lt;0.05). The two breeds did not differ from each other at any time point. Statistically significant decreases in urea and creatinine concentrations were related to the growth needs of foals during this critical period of development.

Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy in Egyptian Arabian Foals: 22 Cases (1985–2005)

Epilepsy is relatively uncommon in horses compared with other species and limited information is available. The objectives of the study were to describe the age of onset, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, electroeticephalographic findings, treatment, and outcome, including long-term prognosis in Arabian foals with idiopathic epilepsy. Twenty-two foals were included in the study. Medical records from 1985 to 2005 were reviewed. The age of onset of affected foals ranged from 2 days to 6 months. Seizures were characterized by generalized tonic and clonic motor activity, staring, and loss of consciousness. The most common postictal signs were transient blindness and abnormal mental status. The interictal neurologic examination was otherwise normal. Clinicopathologic data and imaging diagnostics were normal except in 4 foals that developed complications. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform activity in 9 of 13 foals. Foals were treated with benzodiazepines for the short-term; whereas phenobarbital was used over the long-term. Potassium bromide was added in 3 foals in which seizures were multiple, frequent, and difficult to control. The long-term prognosis was favorable with cessation of seizures by 1 year of age. The most common complication was head trauma. The most common concurrent disease was pneumonia. Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy of Egyptian Arabian foals has an early clinical onset but appears to be self-limiting. Information obtained from this study strongly suggests a heritable condition that merits further investigation.

Clinical, Clinicopathologic, Postmortem Examination Findings and Familial History of 3 Arabians with Lavender Foal Syndrome

Journal of Veterinary Internal MedicineVolume 20, Issue 6 p. 1491-1494 Open Access Clinical, Clinicopathologic, Postmortem Examination Findings and Familial History of 3 Arabians with Lavender Foal Syndrome Patrick Page, Patrick Page Departments of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa Bayer, Animal Health Division, Isando, South Africa.Search for more papers by this authorRissa Parker, Rissa Parker Equicare, Kyalami, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this authorCindy Harper, Cindy Harper Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAIan Guthrie, AIan Guthrie Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this authorJohann Neser, Johann Neser Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this author Patrick Page, Patrick Page Departments of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa Bayer, Animal Health Division, Isando, South Africa.Search for more papers by this authorRissa Parker, Rissa Parker Equicare, Kyalami, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this authorCindy Harper, Cindy Harper Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAIan Guthrie, AIan Guthrie Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this authorJohann Neser, Johann Neser Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 February 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb00772.xCitations: 24 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. 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Coat colour dilution lethal (‘lavender foal a’): syndrome tetany syndrome of Arabian foals

Coat colour dilution lethal (CCDL), referred to as ‘lavender foal syndrome’ by Arabian horse breeders, is a tetany syndrome of newborn Arabian foals of Egyptian breeding. The condition has been recognised for over 50 years but has not been described in the peer-reviewed literature. The purpose of this report is to make practitioners aware of its existence. Aside from the neurological signs, the most striking feature of this condition is the dilute or bleached-out hair coat colour. In a few cases, the colour is a very striking iridescent silver to pale lavender hue, hence the name ‘lavender foal syndrome’. Coat colour dilution lethal is a more appropriate name, as many affected foals do not exhibit the striking lavender colour. Other dilute coat colours observed are pewter (pale slate grey) and pale chestnut (pink).

Avaliação da transferência passiva da imunidade através da proteína total sangüínea, em potros da raça Árabe

To study the passive immunity transference to the new born foal via colostrum, the total serum protein of 27 foals, being 13 females and 14 males, born from multiparae and primiparae mares was estimated. The blood samples were colected at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours after the first suckling. The total protein values increase significantly between 6 and 12 hours after the first suckling, being not influenced by the sex of the foal. The total protein values of new borns from multiparae mares were significantly higher than primiparae mares at 12 hours after the first suckling and was mantained in the same levels for 30 hours. It was concluded that the newborn Arabian foals had the highest immunoglobulin absortion between 6 and 12 hours after the first suckling and it is higher in foals born from multiparae than from primiparae mares.