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[Foal diseases and foal loss]
1Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie und Seuchenlehre Tierärztlichen Fakultät Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Tierarztliche Praxis
|June 1, 1993
Summary
This study tracked foal health from 1982-1991, finding prenatal diseases were most common. Infectious diseases rose postnatally, with Arabian foals showing higher rates, likely due to lower colostral immunoglobulin levels.
Area of Science:
- Equine Health
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Foal health and mortality are critical in equine breeding operations.
- Understanding disease incidence and types in foals is essential for herd management.
- Previous research indicated potential differences in immune status between horse breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and progression of infectious and non-infectious diseases in foals.
- To analyze mortality rates in foals from birth to weaning.
- To compare disease prevalence between Thoroughbred Arabian and German Warmblood foals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of health records for 462 foals (177 Thoroughbred Arabian, 285 German Warmblood) from 1982-1991.
- Classification of diseases into prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal categories.
- Comparison of disease rates and types between the two breeds.
Main Results:
- Prenatal diseases were most prevalent (11.25%), followed by postnatal (8.66%) and perinatal (1.30%).
- Infectious disease rates increased from the prenatal to the postnatal period.
- Arabian foals exhibited a higher incidence of infectious diseases (9%) compared to Warmblood foals (4.9%).
Conclusions:
- Lower colostral immunoglobulin levels in Arabian mares may contribute to higher foal infectious disease rates.
- Monitoring mare colostral and foal serum IgG levels is crucial for disease prevention.
- Paramunisation strategies for neonatal and weaned foals can aid in preventing infectious diseases.