Mammary secretions in normal spontaneous and induced premature parturition in the mare

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary: Total calcium, total protein, albumin and globulin content were determined in 49 samples of mammary secretions from 37 crossbred and Thoroughbred mares. The mares were divided into three categories: Group 1 — post partum samples from spontaneous full term Thoroughbred deliveries (n = 20); Group 2 — pre‐ and post partum samples from spontaneous full term Thoroughbred deliveries (n = 6); Group 3 — pre‐ and post partum samples from induced premature deliveries in crossbred mares (n = 11). Calcium concentrations of the mammary secretions proved useful in predicting full term and also in assessment of the chances of foal survival in prematurely induced parturition. Mean (±se) calcium levels in full term mares that foaled spontaneously (Group 1) were 10.6±2.7 mmol/litre on the day of parturition. However lower values than this did not necessarily mean parturition would not take place. In Group 2 mares, calcium levels were 4.1±0.8 mmol/litre just before foaling and rose to 9.2±1.5 mmol/litre within 20 mins of parturition; an increase of 124 per cent. Group 3 mares, induced prematurely, showed poor foal survival if pre‐partum calcium levels were less than 3 mmol/litre. Total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations showed a similar trend but the increase just before or during parturition was much less marked.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: