Purpose of the work - To ensure a correct delivery assistance and the birth of a live and viable foal it is necessary to add a simple and inexpensive field test to the clinical observations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the electrolyte (Ca2+, Na+, K+) and the pH changes in pre-foaling mammary secretions. Materials and used methods - A sample of 3-4ml of mammary secretion was collected daily from 9 mix-breed jennies, after 6pm, at Day -4, -3, -2, -1, 0 before foaling. Ca2+, Na+, K+ concentrations were detected by a BT3500VET (Biotecnica Instruments SpA) biochemistry analyzer. With the testo®230 pHmeter and strip test (range 1-14) pH was determined. The data were analyzed by a mixed model two-way ANOVA test, considering time as fixed factor and jenny as random factor. For sampling time the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was used (p<0.05). Correlations were determined among parameters. Outcomes - Ca2+ levels significantly increased (p<0.05) in the last 5D before foaling, especially between D-2 and D-1 (p<0.01). Mean Ca2+ concentration at D-2 was 22 mmol/L (876 ppm). 5/9 jennies reached 1000 ppm at D0. No significant changes in Na+ and K+ levels and their ratio were detected until foaling. No significant decrease of pH was detected by pHmeter, conversely test strips measure showed a significant decrease between D-4 and -3, D-3 and -2. 6/9 jennies foaled within 48h after reaching a pH 6.5 detection by both methods. Ca2+ levels showed a correlation (-0,8) with both the day of sampling and the test strip pH. Conclusions - In conclusion, Ca2+ levels reported in our work are in accordance only with the one of Mancuso and are supposed to be a good indicator of fetal maturity in mares and also in the jennies but not a sign of impending delivery. Na+ and K+ levels do not show the inversion cited by Carluccio and the pH values are comparable to the few data available on mare. Currently a vulvar device is the only option to assist promptly a foaling jenny. The alarm system is expensive but justified by the incidence of dystocia and the economic value of newborn and lactation.
Testing mammary gland secrections to predict foaling in jennies
Julita Eleonora;Bertero Alessia;Vincenti Leila;Poletto Mariagrazia;Nervo Tiziana
2019-01-01
Abstract
Purpose of the work - To ensure a correct delivery assistance and the birth of a live and viable foal it is necessary to add a simple and inexpensive field test to the clinical observations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the electrolyte (Ca2+, Na+, K+) and the pH changes in pre-foaling mammary secretions. Materials and used methods - A sample of 3-4ml of mammary secretion was collected daily from 9 mix-breed jennies, after 6pm, at Day -4, -3, -2, -1, 0 before foaling. Ca2+, Na+, K+ concentrations were detected by a BT3500VET (Biotecnica Instruments SpA) biochemistry analyzer. With the testo®230 pHmeter and strip test (range 1-14) pH was determined. The data were analyzed by a mixed model two-way ANOVA test, considering time as fixed factor and jenny as random factor. For sampling time the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was used (p<0.05). Correlations were determined among parameters. Outcomes - Ca2+ levels significantly increased (p<0.05) in the last 5D before foaling, especially between D-2 and D-1 (p<0.01). Mean Ca2+ concentration at D-2 was 22 mmol/L (876 ppm). 5/9 jennies reached 1000 ppm at D0. No significant changes in Na+ and K+ levels and their ratio were detected until foaling. No significant decrease of pH was detected by pHmeter, conversely test strips measure showed a significant decrease between D-4 and -3, D-3 and -2. 6/9 jennies foaled within 48h after reaching a pH 6.5 detection by both methods. Ca2+ levels showed a correlation (-0,8) with both the day of sampling and the test strip pH. Conclusions - In conclusion, Ca2+ levels reported in our work are in accordance only with the one of Mancuso and are supposed to be a good indicator of fetal maturity in mares and also in the jennies but not a sign of impending delivery. Na+ and K+ levels do not show the inversion cited by Carluccio and the pH values are comparable to the few data available on mare. Currently a vulvar device is the only option to assist promptly a foaling jenny. The alarm system is expensive but justified by the incidence of dystocia and the economic value of newborn and lactation.
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