Foal Serum Research Articles

112 Effects of maternal body condition on colostrum, foal weight, and foal IgG concentration

Abstract Foals are born with little to no immunity and rely on maternal colostrum to develop adequate circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in the periparturient period. Colostrum directly impacts the health of the foal, and there are limited data assessing how maternal metabolism and body condition impacts IgG in colostrum and in the foal postnatally. To determine the influence of maternal body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS) on glucose and insulin metabolism in the pregnant mare, colostrum composition, and colostrum and foal IgG concentrations, light breed mares (n = 6) were divided into two groups based on BCS and CNS at 315 ± 0.45 d of gestation. The groups were identified as moderately obese (MO; n = 3, BCS) and lean (LN; n = 3). Mares were fasted overnight and then underwent an intravenous (iv) glucose tolerance test at 315 ± 0.45 d gestation. Blood samples were collected at -30, -15 and 0 min and mares were administered dextrose iv [0.3 g/kg body weight (BW)] over 3.7 ± 0.17 min followed by an intravenous infusion of insulin (0.3 mU/kg BW) 20-min later. Additional blood samples were collected 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min after initiation of dextrose infusion. At parturition, a colostrum sample was collected before foals nursed and analyzed for protein and fat, and IgG concentration. A foal blood sample was collected 18 h after birth to determine passive transfer of IgG. Placental, mare, and foal weights were measured at birth. Data were analyzed using a t-test with significance at P ≤ 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. The MO group had greater BCS (P = 0.01) and CNS (P = 0.01) than the LN group. Moderately obese mares tended to have 9% greater glucose area under the curve (AUC) after dextrose (P = 0.10) and a 9% greater glucose AUC after insulin infusion (P = 0.10) than LN mares. Colostrum IgG concentrations, and protein and fat content (P ≥ 0.3) did not differ between groups. Foal serum IgG concentrations, foal BW, and placental weights were similar between groups (P ≥ 0.8). The ratios between foal BW and placenta weight, and between foal BW and mare BW were similar between groups (P ≥ 0.3). Moderately obese maternal BCS and CNS scores may decrease maternal glucose clearance during late gestation but did not impact colostrum quality or foal IgG concentrations within 24 h postpartum. As the equine fetus matures later in gestation than other livestock species and relies heavily on glucose uptake from the placenta, it is critical to increase our understanding of the impacts of maternal obesity and glucose clearance on foal development and pre- and post-natal health.

Serum activities of complement 1q and antibodies to the virulence-associated protein A are lower in foals that develop rhodococcal pneumonia.

To determine the effects of transfusion of Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) on serum concentrations of complement component 1q (C1q) and to examine the association of serum C1q and anti-rhodococcal antibodies of newborn foals with subsequent development of rhodococcal pneumonia. Foals (n = 205) from 2 Thoroughbred breeding farms in New York transfused with REHIP between January 1, 2022, and December 1, 2022. Blood was collected immediately before transfusion with REHIP and again from the contralateral vein immediately after transfusion. Foals were followed through weaning for clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of rhodococcal pneumonia. Serum samples were tested by ELISA for concentrations of C1q and for activity of IgG1 and IgG4/7 recognizing the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) of R equi. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between rhodococcal pneumonia and levels of C1q and anti-VapA IgG1 and IgG4/7. REHIP significantly decreased C1q concentrations immediately after transfusion. Accounting for effects of farm and birth month, estimated odds of pneumonia were 2.1-fold (P = .0330) higher for foals with pretransfusion C1q concentrations less than or equal to the population median and 3.3-fold (P = .0051) higher for foals with posttransfusion IgG1 activity in the lower quartile. Both C1q and IgG appear to contribute to protection against R equi, and IgG1 appears to be especially important. Increasing IgG1 concentrations targeting rhodococcal proteins in REHIP or serum of foals might improve protection against R equi foal pneumonia.

Transient increases in glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity occur in neonatal foals.

Liver analyte measurement is important in the evaluation of sick animals. Liver injury in horses is recognized by increased glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, whereas biliary pathology is identified by increased alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities or bilirubin concentrations. We have observed high GLDH, but not SDH, activities in neonatal foals admitted for conditions other than liver disease. Only one previous study have evaluated GLDH activity over time in healthy neonatal foals; however, SDH activity was not measured. We aimed to evaluate changes in liver analytes in neonatal foals over time. We measured serum liver analytes (GLDH, SDH, GGT, AST, total, direct, and indirect bilirubin) and creatine kinase activity of 11 clinically healthy foals before and at various times after suckling until 46 days of age. Analytes were also measured in colostrum and mare serum. Median GLDH activities increased after birth to peak at 3-4 days of age (106 U/L, reference interval, 0-8U/L). Median SDH activities had a lower peak at 3-4 days (15 U/L, reference interval, 0-11 U/L) and were frequently discordant with GLDH. There was no association between foal and mare serum or colostral enzyme activities. AST activity plateaued at 5-6 days, whereas GGT activity and total and indirect bilirubin concentrations peaked at 14 and 3-4 days of age, respectively. Transient increases in GLDH, SDH, and GGT activities and total and indirect bilirubin concentrations occur in clinically healthy neonatal foals and do not necessarily indicate relevant liver disease.

Study on NGF and VEGF during the Equine Perinatal Period-Part 1: Healthy Foals Born from Normal Pregnancy and Parturition.

Simple SummaryThe end of pregnancy, the birth and the sudden need for the fetus to adapt to the extra-uterine environment make the perinatal period eventful in all species. Trophic factors, such as nerve growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, as well as thyroid hormones, take part in the processes associated with the final maturation of the fetus. Our aim is to evaluate the levels of trophic factors and thyroid hormones obtained at parturition from a population of healthy mares and foals and in the first 72 h of foal life, as well as the expression of trophic factors in fetal membranes. The levels of both trophic factors decreased over time in foal plasma and a positive correlation was found between their levels at each time point, but no correlation was found with the thyroid hormone levels. Vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed in all fetal membranes, while nerve growth factor and its receptors were not expressed in the amnion. The close relationship between the two trophic factors in foal plasma over time and their fine expression in placental tissues appear to be key regulators of fetal development and adaptation to extra-uterine life.The importance of trophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during the perinatal period, is now emerging. Through their functional activities of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, they play a key role in the final maturation of the nervous and vascular systems. The present study aims to: (i) evaluate the NGF and VEGF levels obtained at parturition from the mare, foal and umbilical cord vein plasma, as well as in amniotic fluid; (ii) evaluate NGF and VEGF content in the plasma of healthy foals during the first 72 h of life (T0, T24 and T72); (iii) evaluate NGF and VEGF levels at parturition in relation to the selected mares’ and foals’ clinical parameters; (iv) evaluate the relationship between the two trophic factors and the thyroid hormone levels (TT3 and TT4) in the first 72 h of life; (v) assess mRNA expression of NGF, VEGF and BDNF and their cell surface receptors in the placenta. Fourteen Standardbred healthy foals born from mares with normal pregnancies and parturitions were included in the study. The dosage of NGF and VEGF levels was performed using commercial ELISA kits, whereas NGF, VEGF and BDNF placental gene expression was performed using semi-quantitative real-time PCR. In foal plasma, both NGF and VEGF levels decreased significantly over time, from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0066 for NGF; p < 0.0001 for VEGF) and from T0 to T72 (p = 0.0179 for NGF; p = 0.0016 for VEGF). In foal serum, TT3 levels increased significantly over time from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0058) and from T0 to T72 (p = 0.0013), whereas TT4 levels decreased significantly over time from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0201) and from T0 to T72 (p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found in the levels of NGF and VEGF in foal plasma at each time point (p = 0.0115; r = 0.2862). A positive correlation was found between NGF levels in the foal plasma at T0 and lactate (p = 0.0359; r = 0.5634) as well as between VEGF levels in the foal plasma at T0 and creatine kinase (p = 0.0459; r = 0.5407). VEGF was expressed in all fetal membranes, whereas NGF and its receptors were not expressed in the amnion. The close relationship between the two trophic factors in foal plasma over time and their fine expression in placental tissues appear to be key regulators of fetal development and adaptation to extra-uterine life.

Dystocia in the Standardbred Mare: A Retrospective Study from 2004 to 2020.

Simple SummaryIn the equine species, dystocia, any impediment to normal parturition, is not frequent, but when it occurs it can quickly evolve into a critical situation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the incidence, causes, categories of dystocia severity, resolution procedures and postpartum complications in Standardbred mares hospitalized in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital and evaluate the effects of dystocia on the clinical and blood parameters of their foals. In normal pregnancy, the incidence of dystocia was 4.9%. Stage II appeared significantly longer in dystocic delivery, and the occurrences of postpartum complications in mares and onset of neonatal disease in foals were more frequent after dystocia. This study also investigated, for the first time, foaling difficulty, dividing all dystocic deliveries into mild, moderate and severe dystocia. Therefore, even a short but physiologically abnormal delivery can pose a risk to the life of the newborn and determine complications in the mare.Dystocia as a prolonged stage II parturition (>30 min) was associated with a higher risk of complications. The hypothesis of the study was that any type of dystocia could affect the foal’s health, even when the stage II was <30 min. Clinical reports on 222 Standardbred mares and their foals hospitalized at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Bologna from 2004 to 2020 were reviewed. Mares were divided into the Eutocia Group (165, eutocic delivery) and the Dystocia Group (57, dystocic delivery). The incidence of dystocia was 4.9%. Stage II was longer in the Dystocia Group (median 20 min) than in the Eutocia Group (median 12 min). All occurrences of dystocia were retrospectively classified into three categories of severity: mild, moderate and severe dystocia. The occurrence of postpartum complications in mares and neonatal diseases and failure of passive transfer of immunity in foals was higher in the Dystocia Group. Foal venous lactatemia and serum creatine kinase were significantly higher in the Dystocia Group (median 3.9 mmol/L; 262 UI/L respectively) than in the Eutocia Group (median 3.1 mmol/L; 187 UI/L respectively). The APGAR score was lower in the Dystocia Group (median 8) than in the Eutocia Group (median 10) and significantly lower in severe dystocia (median 3). The duration of stage II should not be considered the only parameter of dystocia in mares: even a rapid resolution of dystocia could pose health risks to the foal and the mare.

Evaluation of Colostral Immunity Against Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in Martina Franca's Foals.

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.

Effects of dietary fish oil and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on selected blood parameters and fatty acid profiles in mares and their foals.

The effects of fish oil (40ml/day) supplementation, with or without synthetic all-rac-alpha-tocopherol-acetate (2,500IU/day), during the last 65days before expected parturition were investigated in 15 adult mares (553±24kg BW) and their foals. Mares were assigned to one of three diets: control (n=5), control plus fish oil and alpha-tocopherol (n=4; FO+AT) or control with just fish oil (n=6; FO). Blood samples were obtained from the mares before a 15-day dietary adaptation period (T1) and from mares and foals the first (T2) and fifth (T3) days post-partum. Colostrum was collected at T2 and milk at T3. Routine haematological, biochemical and alpha-tocopherol analyses were undertaken on all blood samples. Fatty acid concentrations were determined in the foal serum and alpha-tocopherol concentrations measured in the milk and colostrum. Diet had no effect on haematology or biochemistry in the mares. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher at T2 & T3 in the FO+AT mares. Foal WBCs were higher in FO (11.33±2.59×109 /l), comparing to FO+AT and control groups (9.18±1.24×109 /l and 7.26±1.03×109 /l, respectively), at T3 (p<.05). There was no significant effect of the fish oil supplementation on the foal's serum fatty acid profile. In the FO+AT group, both colostrum and milk alpha-tocopherol concentrations (2.56±0.36 and 1.36±0.22µg/ml, respectively) were higher compared than those of the FO group (1.33±0.39 and 0.72±0.31µg/ml, respectively; p<.05). Additional 2,500IU/day of synthetic alpha-tocopherol in the last 65days of pregnancy increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations in colostrum and milk and the foal's serum. 40ml/day fish oil, however, did not significantly increase serum eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in the foals.

Evaluation of jennies' colostrum: IgG concentrations and absorption in the donkey foals. A preliminary study

Immunoglobulin type G (IgG) concentration both in jennies' colostrum and in serum of donkey foals are mostly unknown in the first 24 h after delivery. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the IgG concentrations of colostrum during the first 24 h of lactation of Amiata jennies, the absorption of colostrum and the weekly body weight gain of the donkey foals. IgG concentrations were assessed in the jennies' colostrum and in the serum of donkey foals. Colostrum was collected in 9 jennies ready after delivery, and at 6, 12, 24 h after foaling from both halves. Serum was collected at the same sampling times from 9 donkey foals. Donkey foals were weighted at birth and then weekly until the 28th days of life. Temporal changes of IgG concentrations in dam's colostrum and in donkey foal serum were analyzed by a linear regression model and a general linear model, respectively. Results showed that colostrum IgG concentration were similar between the left and the right half. Colostrum IgG concentrations decreased continuously throughout the time in all jennies by 0.0244 Log10 mg/mL per hour. Serum IgG concentrations in donkey foals at birth was significantly lower compared to other times. No correlation was found between the colostrum IgG concentrations and the average weekly body weight gain of the donkey foal. The pattern of colostrum IgG levels in jennies and serum IgG concentration in donkey foals seem to be similar to what reported for equine. However, the donkey foals seem to be less agammaglobulinemic at birth compared to the horse foal. The pattern and both serum and colostrum concentrations evaluated in the Amiata donkeys were slightly different from results reported in other donkey breeds, underlying the importance of setting references specific to breed.

A Field Study of Serum, Colostrum, Milk Iodine, and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Postpartum Draft Mares and Foals

Iodine, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are required for normal fetal growth, maturation, and neonatal survival. There is a lack of robust information on iodine levels found in colostrum, milk, and serum of mares and foals after a healthy pregnancy. Our objective was to characterize colostrum, milk, and serum iodine levels in healthy postpartum mares and foals (n = 10) and explore relationships with thyroid hormone concentrations. Colostrum, milk, and jugular blood samples from draft breed mares and foals with an estimated average iodine daily intake of 39 mg per mare during pregnancy were obtained at Day 0 (foaling date) and/or 10 days later. Parameters studied were (1) mare basal concentrations of serum: TT3, TT4, and iodine; (2) iodine in colostrum at Day 0 and milk iodine (Day 10); and (3) foal basal: TT3, TT4, and serum iodine (Days 0 and 10). Median ± median error colostrum iodine levels (165 ± 15.1 μg/L) were higher than milk (48 ± 5.6 μg/L; P = .007) levels. Median ± median error foal serum iodine (268.5 ± 7.6 μg/L), TT4 (1,225 ± 47.8 nmol/L), and TT3 (14.2 ± 1.1 nmol/L) at foaling date were higher than at 10 days (serum iodine: 70 ± 3.6 μg/L; TT4: 69.6. ± 20.4 nmol/L; and TT3: 5.4 ± 0.3 nmol/L). In conclusion, equine mammary tissue concentrates iodine beyond plasma levels, making colostrum and milk a significant source of iodine. Foal serum iodine levels are high in the neonatal period and are positively correlated with TT4, which is important for neonatal adaptation.

Assessment of the immunocrit method to detect failure of passive immunity in newborn foals.

In newborn foals the absorption of colostrum immunoglobulins in the small intestine is maximal up to 8hours after birth and then progressively decreases to become null after 24hours post-partum. Thus, equine practitioners need a simple, quick, inexpensive and reliable field test to identify foals affected by failure of passive transfer rather than an accurate method yielding quantitative results within the whole range of immunoglobulin concentrations. As the validity of the immunocrit method to detect failure of passive transfer in foals had not been evaluated before, the objective of this study was to test the ability of this method to detect the concentration of immunoglobulins in a large number of foal serum samples. Assay validation using samples collected for clinical purposes. The immunocrit test, using a 40% ammonium sulphate solution, was used to measure the concentration of immunoglobulins in serum samples from 211 newborn Thoroughbred foals. The results were compared, by statistical analysis, with those of agarose gel electrophoresis, a reference quantitative method. The values obtained by the immunocrit method were significantly correlated (R=.871; P<.001) with those measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. A cut-off value of 8g/L of serum immunoglobulins by agarose gel electrophoresis and its equivalent of 9.5% for the immunocrit test was indicative of failure of passive transfer. The sensitivity and specificity of the immunocrit method at this cut-off point were 94% (95% CI, 90-97.3) and 82% (95% CI, 72.13-91.8) respectively. Variable times of sample extraction after colostrum suckling, over the study period. The immunocrit test provides a quantitative, quick, inexpensive, reliable and objective method to detect failure of passive transfer of maternal immunity in newborn foals, which is easy to perform directly in horse farms, with minimum laboratory equipment.

Colostral and foal serum immunoglobulin G levels and associations with perinatal abnormalities in heavy draft horses in Japan.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to elucidate the colostral and foal serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration values in heavy draft horses in Japan and to examine the effects of peripartum mare condition on colostral immunity. Colostrum was obtained 1 hr after foaling (pre-suckling; n=178). Blood was collected from the jugular vein of the foals (n=147) at 24 to 48 hr after birth. The foaling statuses of 73 mares were recorded. The average colostral IgG concentration was 10,540 ± 3,190 mg/dl (median=10,928; range 1,434−17,514 mg/dl). The average serum IgG concentration obtained from neonatal foals 24 to 48 hr after birth was 1,750 ± 919 mg/dl (median=1,890; range 0−3,510 mg/dl). Although colostral IgG did not differ between the normal foaling mare (n=59) and dystocial mare (n=14), foal serum IgG was lower in foals born in dystocia than in foals in normal foaling (P<0.05). This study demonstrates reference values for colostral and foal serum IgG specific to heavy draft horses in Japan and suggests that dystocia may interfere with the acquisition of colostral immunity in neonatal foals.

DYNAMICS OF LIPID EXCHANGE IN BLOOD DONOR COWS FOR THE USE OF A BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE PREPARATION

DYNAMICS OF LIPID EXCHANGE IN BLOOD DONOR COWS FOR THE USE OF A BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE PREPARATION

Serum Chemistry and Hematology Changes in Neonatal Stock-Type Foals During the First 72 Hours of Life

Limited research has characterized blood chemistry in healthy stock-type foals. Our objectives were to determine foal serum chemistry and hematology changes during the first 72 hours postnatal and compare these with adult horse reference ranges. Over 3 foaling seasons, serum chemistry and hematology were determined for 16 healthy stock-type foals born to similarly managed mares. Blood was collected at 0 hours (before nursing but after standing, within 85 minutes of birth) and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after initial sampling. Data were analyzed with sampling hour, year, and their interaction as fixed effects. Serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations increased (P < .001) from 0 to 24 hours. Triglycerides increased (P < .001) and glucose decreased (P = .01) between 24 to 48 hours. Serum nonesterified fatty acids increased (P = .04) from 0 to 6 hours and decreased (P ≤ .01) from 6 to 24 hours. Serum urea nitrogen increased (P < .001) between 0 and 6 hours and decreased (P < .001) from 12 to 72 hours. Serum total protein and globulin concentrations increased (P < .001) from 0 to 12 hours, albumin decreased (P ≤ .01) from 0 to 24, and creatinine decreased (P ≤ .02) from 0 to 72 hours. Hour also affected (P ≤ .03) electrolytes, metabolic enzymes, and all hematological components except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin (P = .77). These data demonstrate dynamic blood biochemical and hematological changes throughout the first 72 hours in foals, suggesting that sampling time should be considered when evaluating individual neonates.

The effect of maternal immunity on the equine gammaherpesvirus type 2 and 5 viral load and antibody response.

Two types of gammaherpesviruses (γEHV) are known to infect horses, EHV-2 and EHV-5. Foals become infected early in life, probably via the upper respiratory tract, despite maternal antibodies. In this study, we analyzed samples from a herd of mares and their foals. The foals were followed from birth to 22 months of age and the dams during the first 6 months postpartum. Blood and nasal swab samples were taken regularly for evaluation of antibody responses, virus isolation and viral load by qPCR. EHV-2 was isolated on day 5, and EHV-5 on day 12, earlier than previously reported. γEHV specific antibodies were not detectable in serum of foals before colostrum intake but peaked a few days after colostrum. Overall, EHV-2 viral load peaked in nasal swab at three to four months of age, paralleled with decline in maternal antibodies, but EHV-5 viral load did not peak until month 12. Maternal antibodies had a notable effect on the viral load and induction of endogenous antibody production. Foals were grouped in two groups depending on the mare’s γEHV specific total IgG levels in serum at birth, group-high and group-low. Group-high had higher levels of maternal γEHV specific total IgG and IgG4/7 for the first 3 months, but when the endogenous production had superseded maternal antibodies, group-low was higher. The maternal antibodies had an effect on the γEHV viral load. Group-low peaked in EHV-2 viral load one month earlier than group-high. These effects were more evident for EHV-5, as there were seven months between the viral load peaks for the groups. The study provides information on how maternal antibody transfer affects γEHV shedding and antibody production in offspring. It also extends our knowledge on the occurrence of EHV-2 and EHV-5 infection in foals during the first two years of life.

Макроелементний обмін у лошат за гіперкальцитонінемії

The changes of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium foals for hypercalcitoninemia was studied. In the first months of life calcium metabolism were altered. During the first month of life the majority of foals (85.7 percent) is hypocalcemia. Obviously, it is physiological, because in this period of life calcitonin promotes in osteocytes inhibition of enzymes that break down bone tissue to ensure the consolidation of the skeleton. In later life foals for hypercalcitoninemia hypocalcemia was observed less in one - and two-month old she was found in 57.1% of the foals; in three - to five-month old – at 42.9%. In the six-month old foals, values of total calcium in blood serum were within the physiological range (2.15–of 2.63 mmol/l). Relatively ionized calcium, its content in foals for hypercalcitoninemia was practically the same during the whole period of studies (0.96 ± 0.019 mmol/l in first day of life – 1.0 ± 0.014 mmol/l at six months of age). The proportion of the ionized form of macroelements to total calcium was stable and ranged from 48.8 per cent after the birth to 47.0% in 5 months old. Only six-month foals she was the lowest and amounted to 43.0% of the content of total calcium in serum. The other macroelements – phosphorus and magnesium in foals with hypercalcitoninemia were not significantly different from animals with physiological quantities of the hormone. In particular, the content of phosphorus, regardless of age, almost all animals were within the range of 0.9 to 1.18 mmol/l (only in some animal figures were less – 0.81–0.76 mmol/l). The content of magnesium in the blood serum of foals with hypercalcitoninemia was in the range of 0.91 – of 1.16 mmol/l.

Effect of ω-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Gestating and Lactating Mares: On Milk IgG, Mare and Foal Blood Concentrations of IgG, Insulin and Glucose, Placental Efficiency, and Fatty Acid Composition of Milk and Serum From Mares and Foals

Limited research has been conducted to evaluate effects of fatty acid (FA) supplementation on mare and foal FA profiles and foal immunity. Dietary polyunsaturated FAs, particularly ω-3 FAs, increase fluidity of intestinal cell membranes. Fluidity of mammary tissues may also be altered to allow more incorporation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) into milk. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine effects of incorporating dietary ω-3 FAs on mares, her milk, and her subsequent foal. Pregnant mares were assigned to one of three diets beginning 28 days before expected foaling date until 84 days after foaling. Diet 1 was a commercial feed (CON); diet 2 was diet 1 plus a fish oil blend (FO); and diet 3 was diet 1 plus a blend of fish and soybean oil (FSO). Mare serum FA concentrations were not affected by treatment (P > .05) with the exception of 20:5, which had a treatment × time interaction (P < .05). Mare milk FA concentrations were not affected by treatment (P > .05) with the exception of 16:1 and 20:5. Foal serum FA concentration was not affected by treatment with the exception of 18:2, which had a treatment × time interaction, and 20:5 (P < .0001), which was greatest in FO foals and least in CON foals. Dietary supplementation of ω-3 FAs did increase 20:5 in mare serum, milk, as well as serum of their subsequent foals. No differences were found for mare plasma IgG (P = .1318), serum insulin (P = .3886), plasma glucose (P = .2407), or milk IgG (P = .1262) concentrations for treatment. Foal plasma IgG (P = .2767), serum insulin (P = .4843), or plasma glucose (P = .1204) were not affected by treatment. Omega-3 FA in mare serum, milk, and foal serum were able to be manipulated by diet; however, IgG concentration was unchanged.

Chemometric analysis of attenuated total reflectance infrared spectral data for quantitation of immunoglobulin G in equine plasma and serum

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a crucial antibody to protect animals from invasion by microorganisms. Although there exist several methods in veterinary medicine to measure IgG levels for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, these methods suffer from various weaknesses. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric tools such as principal component regression has been widely employed for the measurement of compounds in mixtures with the advantages that include simplicity, quickness and low test cost. Earlier investigation for IgG assay based on transmission IR spectroscopy using laboratory grade equipment has been conducted, but it is not readily transferrable to the clinic, hospital or small laboratory setting. More robust attenuated total reflectance (ATR) IR spectroscopy platforms have recently been developed for a range of roles in the field. This study investigated the possibility of using ATR-IR spectroscopy to determine the IgG concentrations in foal serum and adult horse plasma samples. The results of this work showed that immunoglobulin G concentrations predicted by ATR-IR spectroscopy with chemometric analysis had good agreement with those obtained from the radial immunodiffusion (RID) reference method. The precision of this approach was most compatible to RID method when the IgG concentration was high, but poorer for lower IgG concentrations. It was also showed that building a united calibration model for serum and plasma samples is likely. The results of this work indicate that ATR-IR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis is a promising technique to measure the equine serum and plasma IgG concentrations in the veterinary clinical or hospital environment.

Transplacental Transmission of Trypanosoma evansi From Experimentally Infected Donkey Mare to Neonatal Foal

The present study is an observation of transplacental transmission of Trypanosoma evansi in a donkey neonatal foal. One experimentally infected pregnant donkey mare gave a normal birth to a foal after 3 months of experimental infection. No trypanosome was seen in wet blood film (WBF) on microscopic examination in the experimentally infected donkey mare at the time of foal birth; however, in serum, a significant level of antitrypanosmal immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and many immunodominant polypeptide bands on immunoblotting were observed. In the neonatal foal, live moving trypanosomes were observed in WBF just after birth before colostrum feeding. The foal serum sample (collected before colostrum feeding) was found negative on ELISA and immunoblotting indicating that IgG antibodies has not crossed placental barrier in the mother donkey. After 24 hours of birth, the clinical symptoms appeared in the foal showing recumbency, unable to stand and suckle, and poor reflexes. The foal was administered fluid therapy, but could survive only up to 36 hours after birth. The study indicated transplacental transmission of T. evansi in the donkey, but the mechanism responsible for crossing the placental barrier needs to be further elucidated.

Verificação da transmissão vertical de Neospora spp. em equinos

O gênero protozoário Neospora é reconhecido como causador de desordens reprodutivas e abortos em bovinos. Entre os equinos pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos da infecção por estes protozoários. Atualmente é admitido que os efeitos da infecção por Neospora hughesi em equinos possam ocorrer no sistema nervoso central e, os efeitos provocados pela infecção por Neospora caninum recaiam sobre o sistema reprodutor de éguas. O presente trabalho verificou a presença de imunoglobulinas da classe G no soro sanguíneo de uma população de éguas de cria e, em seus respectivos potros antes da ingestão do colostro. Para execução deste trabalho foi empregada técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), utilizando como antígeno taquizoítos de Neospora caninum, a diluição inicial dos soros das éguas foi de 1:50 e a diluição do soro dos potros empregada foi de 1:16. Foram assistidos 78 partos e todos os potros tiveram seu soro sanguíneo coletado imediatamente após o nascimento. A pesquisa de anticorpos contra Neospora spp. apontou que 50 (64%) éguas e 32 (41%) potros foram positivos. Das 50 éguas que apresentaram anticorpos contra Neospora spp. 24 geraram potros positivos. Entre as 28 éguas que não reagiram, oito deram a luz a potros positivos. De posse dos resultados encontrados podemos concluir que ocorreu a transmissão vertical de Neospora spp. nos equinos pesquisados.

Seroprevalence of Leptospira Hardjo in Equine and Human in Behera Province, Egypt

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira that affects many mammalian species, including humans. In the recent years, leptospirosis is identified as a global public health problem because of its increased mortality and morbidity in different countries. In the current study, a total of 217 serum samples were collected from equine and human including 92 serum samples were collected from equine (mares and foals) including; Arabic horses (34), Balady horses (25) and donkeys (32) were collected from individually owned animals. In addition, a total of 125 blood samples were collected from human beings; including 29 samples collected from apparently healthy individuals attending a private clinical laboratory, 46 patients suffered from fever of unknown origin (FUO), 21 patients with confusion, neck stiffness and rigidity suggesting meningitis and 29 aborted women. All the collected samples were subjected to serological examination by ProiCHECk L. Hardjo Ab Kits for presence of L. Hardjo antibodies. The obtained results in the current study revealed that the highest mean PP of mares was observed in sera of mares of donkeys (50.1%), followed by mares of Balady horses and Arabic horses (45.8 and 45.3%, respectively). In addition, the highest mean PP of foals was observed in sera of foals of Balady horses (63%) followed by foals of donkeys (51.9 %) and foals of Arabic horses (43%). These results may be attributed to the environmental contamination as donkeys and Balady horses usually in direct contact with cattle farms. In addition, Mean PP of L. Hardjo of apparently healthy individuals, FUO patients, meningitis patients and aborted women was 18.05, 19.02, 15.70 and 31.1%, respectively and it revealed that apparently healthy individuals, FUO patients and meningitis patients were found to be negative for L. Hardjo infection while aborted women were found to be inconclusive for L. Hardjo infection. Absence of L. Hardjo in human sera dose not means that the zoonotic transmission does not occur. Based on the obtained results in the current study, it was clear that equine were considered to be potential reservoirs for L. Hardjo that might constitute a zoonotic risk for human contacts. Although examined human serum samples were found to be negative for L. Hardjo infection, the zoonotic hazard must not be neglected and further future studies should be carried out to highlight the zoonotic importance of L. Hardjo. Moreover, indirect ELISA seemed to be screening test to detect L. Hardjo infection in farm animals and human.