BRIX refractometric analysis of mammary secretions is a poor predictor of impending parturition in mares

Stout, T.A.E.; Koekkoek, Johan A F; Hendriks-Onstein, W K

doi:10.21836/pem20110314

Cited by 2 publications

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“…This suggests that the refractometer is a very good instrument for assessing colostrum quality (Korosue et al, 2012), besides its use to predict an impending parturition (Chavatte-Palmer et al, 2001). According to the findings of another study, however, BRIX refractometry is only a moderately accurate method for predicting foaling within 60 h in multiparous mares (Stout et al, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Comparison of the reliability of snap foal Ig test, Gamma-Check E test, refractometry and electrophoresis for determining the immune status of newborn foals in the first hours of life

Kummer

Govaere

Эгри

2018

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica

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Twenty-eight warmblood mares were monitored during their late pregnancy in the Teaching Hospital of Ghent University. The reliability of two commercial assays (enzyme immunoassay and glutaraldehyde coagulation test) used for determining the IgG concentrations of their newborn foals was tested. Mammary secretions were examined at the time of foaling (T0), and then 4 (T1) and 8 (T2) hours after foaling by refractometry and electrophoresis. The foals’ blood IgG levels were measured at T1 and T2 as a routine clinical diagnostic examination using two different commercial test kits (SNAP Foal Ig and Gamma-Check E) and T0, T1 and T2 samples were stored (at −18 °C) for immunoglobulin (Ig) determination by electrophoresis. Differences between the results of refractometry and electrophoresis occurred in 27.8% of the colostrum analyses. Some serum IgG could be detected immediately post partum (T0) in 75% of the foals, and 42.82% of the newborn foals acquired a serum concentration of more than 800 mg/dl IgG within 8 h of birth. Compared to the electrophoresis, the glutaraldehyde test scored better (85%) than the enzyme immunoassay (74%), although both are accurate and safe to use since they clearly distinguish between safe and unsafe IgG concentrations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Comparison of the reliability of snap foal Ig test, Gamma-Check E test, refractometry and electrophoresis for determining the immune status of newborn foals in the first hours of life

Kummer

Govaere

Эгри

2018

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica

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Colostrum conductivity, pH and Brix index as predictors of passive immunity transfer in foals

Magalhaes,

Canisso

2024

Equine Veterinary Journal

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BackgroundFoal immunity relies heavily on the absorption of colostrum immunoglobulins; thus, colostrum evaluation is used to predict the transfer of passive immunity (TPI), and its conductivity is associated with TPI in cattle. Leading up to and at parturition, a reduction in colostrum pH and conductivity is thought to be necessary for TPI; however, this remains to be determined.ObjectivesTo assess conductivity, pH, and Brix refractometer index of colostrum to predict the TPI in foals.Study DesignField study.MethodsThe colostrum of 241 mares was assessed for conductivity, pH, and Brix index using handheld devices immediately after parturition. Twenty‐hour postpartum foals had complete blood cell count and plasma IgG concentrations assessed. Foals were split in complete versus incomplete TPI (i.e., IgG ≥8 g/L vs. <8 g/L). Mare (breed, duration of pregnancy, parity, and age), foal (sex), and colostrum (conductivity, pH, and Brix index) data were computed to assess factors affecting TPI. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed for analysis.ResultsComplete TPI was achieved in 89.4% of foals. The ROC TPI values were conductivity ≤5 mS/cm (AUC = 0.68), Brix ≥23.4% (AUC = 0.70), and pH ≤6.4 units (AUC = 0.73). The odds ratio for TPI in 24 h post‐partum was 6.1 (2.1–17.1, 95% CI) for conductivity, 3.2 (1.2–9.3, 95% CI) for pH, and 4.5 (1.5–12.7, 95% CI) for Brix index. Sensitivity and specificity of 93% (88–96 95% CI), 56% (44–7, 95% CI), 92% (87–96, 95% CI), 28% (14–47, 95% CI), 94% (88–97, 95% CI) and 18% (14–47, 95% CI) for conductivity, Brix and pH, respectively.Main limitationsLow incidence of incomplete TPI.ConclusionsConductivity, pH and Brix are strong predictors of foals that succeed in the transfer of passive immunity; however, all three presented low to moderate specificity. The established cutoff values obtained herein can be used on‐field by other foaling programs. All three handheld devices used in the study are inexpensive and ready to use on‐farm.

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BRIX refractometric analysis of mammary secretions is a poor predictor of impending parturition in mares

Cited by 2 publications

References 11 publications

Comparison of the reliability of snap foal Ig test, Gamma-Check E test, refractometry and electrophoresis for determining the immune status of newborn foals in the first hours of life

Comparison of the reliability of snap foal Ig test, Gamma-Check E test, refractometry and electrophoresis for determining the immune status of newborn foals in the first hours of life

Colostrum conductivity, pH and Brix index as predictors of passive immunity transfer in foals

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