Colostrum conductivity, pH and Brix index as predictors of passive immunity transfer in foals

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. Mul..., , , # Data from: Colostrum conductivity, pH and Brix index as predictors of passive immunity transfer in foals

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.m63xsj4c1](https://doi.org/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 pai...,