Changes in the specific gravity and concentration of immunoglobulins in colostrum in mares

摘要

Changes in the specific gravity and immunoglobulin concentration were studied in colostral samples from 38 mares collected at the first suckling and then 6, 12 and 24 h later. Specific gravity (g/ml)was the highest 2 h after birth (1.068deg 0.014), decreased to 1.046deg 0.008 at 6 h and remained the same 1.039deg 0.003 at 12 and 24 h, respectively. Continuous decrease in concentration was noted for total protein (12.018, 7.549, 3.682, 3.175 g/dl) and immunoglobulins (11.071, 6.456, 2.638, 2.062 g/dl), respectively. Five mares had colostrum with specific gravity lower than the recommended 1.06 g/ml. One foal was stillborn, one died within 2 days after birth, 2 were very weak and 2 were normal. Field assessment of colostral specific gravity using hydrometeris strongly recommended.