The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of colostral immunoglobulins, crude protein and certain electrolytes in the colostrum of the mare at different times after parturition. Relationships among the results obtained and the foals’ maturity and health were evaluated. Colostral samples were collected from 40 mares at first suckle and afer 6, 12 and 24 hours of foaling. The frozen samples were stored for 3 to 4 months and then thawed to evaluate the colostral specific gravity (g/ml). In 10 dams colostral specific gravity was measured immediately after collection and then the concentration of crude protein, colostral immunoglobulins, potassium, sodium and calcium were determined. The highest colostral specific gravity as well as concentrations of colostral immunoglobulins and crude protein were found at first suckle. Aferwards the values decreased and 12 to 24 hours after parturition the specific gravity was close to its value measured in the milk of a mare, and averaged 1.039. The colostral specific gravity in younger (4-9-years-old) mares was on the average 0.01 g/ml higher than in the older ones (10-16-years-old). Colostral specific gravities significantly correlate (r=0.90) with colostral immunoglobulin concentrations and crude protein. The concentrations of calcium and potassium were maintained on the same level whereas that of sodium decreased. At first suckle the sodium concentration was 29.2±4.4, 12 hours later it dropped to 20.56±4.9 and 24 hours after parturition it decreased to 17.75±2.8 mmol/1. Observations carried out during parturition and clinical evaluation of the foals’ maturity and health proved the physiological course of parturition.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.