Data from: Colostrum conductivity, pH and Brix index as predictors of passive immunity transfer in foals
Data files
Dec 31, 2025 version files 36.54 KB
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EVJ14421.xlsx
34.86 KB
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README.md
1.68 KB
Abstract
Foal 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. The objective of this study was to assess the conductivity, pH, and Brix refractometer index of colostrum to predict the TPI in foals. The 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 into 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.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.m63xsj4c1
Description of the data and file structure
Files and variables
File: EVJ14421.xlsx
Description: This table shows the raw data used to evaluate transfer of passive immunity (TPI) in foals based on colostrum quality and foal blood results.
This study looked at whether simple colostrum tests can predict whether foals receive enough maternal antibodies after birth. Researchers measured colostrum conductivity, pH, and Brix index in 241 mares right after foaling, then measured foals’ blood IgG levels at 20 hours. Foals were classified as having adequate or inadequate transfer of passive immunity. Using statistical analyses, the study evaluated how mare, foal, and colostrum factors were associated with successful immunity transfer.
Variables
- Each row represents one mare–foal pair.
- IgG is the foal’s plasma immunoglobulin concentration at ~20 hours postpartum and is the main indicator of TPI (higher = better immunity).
- Conductivity, pH, and BRIX are measurements of the mare’s colostrum immediately after foaling, used to estimate colostrum quality and predict IgG transfer.
- Breed, season, parity/management variables (PM), gestational age, and foal sex are mare/foal factors tested for their influence on TPI.
- RBC and WBC come from the foal’s complete blood count to assess overall neonatal health.
Access information
Other publicly accessible locations of the data:
- None
Data was derived from the following sources:
- None