Electrolytes and pH of Mammary Gland Secretions Assessments to Detect Impending Parturition and Associations With Placental and Neonate Features in Donkeys

Mammary gland secretion pH and electrolytes in prepartum Mangalarga Marchador mares

“…MM mares showed a fast reduction in pH prior to foaling, similarly to that reported in the literature in mares from other breeds. Contrary to horses, most jennies tend to have a slow drop in pH observed within the last 5 days preceding parturition (Magalhaes et al, 2021).…”

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

“…In this study, Humberto Magalhaes and co‐workers in the United States assessed the ability of conductivity, pH and Brix in the mammary gland secretions to predict parturition .…”

Advances in equine reproduction

“…Finally, in recent years mammary secretion pH has emerged as a quick and easy way to predict impending parturition in mares alongside or instead of electrolyte concentration measurements (calcium, potassium and sodium). Magalhoes et al 26 now add mammary secretion conductivity measured using a handheld device to the range of parameters that aid the prediction of imminent foaling in mares without gestational pathology. As with all other techniques, conductivity is better at demonstrating that a mare is not going to foal than that she is (92% negative vs. 77% positive predictive value); nevertheless, knowing that the mare does not need to be monitored for foaling overnight can be extremely useful.…”