The importance of colostrum in equine neonates

Abstract

During gestation of the foal, the placenta helps in the development of the foal. There is a small problem around that, because the placenta acts as a barrier to the passage of antibodies, making it difficult for there to be a stable immune system for the foal. Thus, the colostrum is ingested, which helps in nutrition and immunity, allowing good results for the puppy. But one must pay attention to the time when colostrum reaches its highest efficiency, that is, at the time when the foal needs to ingest the same. From there, your immune system increases and defends against diseases, but it is important to note that the absorption of colostrum varies from species to species. For all this to work, it is necessary that there is a good management of the mare during its gestation, so that it maintains a good body state and helps in the development of the fetus, especially in the last months. On the other hand, there may be some error in passive transmission, causing a deficiency in foal immunity. Due to some problems in the process of colostrum ingestion there is artificial feeding, which is known as a "colostrum bank", helping the animal not to develop diseases due to a lack of antibodies.