An easy method to determine the IgG in the blood of newborn foals. The test strips are interpreted using the VMRD reader and provide a reliable, objective value. This data can be used to determine whether therapy should be initiated to provide the foal with sufficient antibodies.
IgG in colostrum
The plasma cells in the mammary glands produce immunoglobulins that are absorbed by the foal from the colostrum. The amount of immunoglobulins ingested by the foal depends on the level of immunoglobulins in the colostrum, the amount of colostrum produced by the mare, the amount of colostrum the foal drinks in the first 24 hours and the foal's absorption of IgG from the colostrum. If any of these factors are insufficient, the foal will not receive enough immunoglobulins and this can have major consequences for the health of the foal. In up to 25% of foals,