Colostrum Flashcards
What are the functions of colostrum?
Provide energy & fluid
Transfer of passive immunity
- Immunoglobulins
- Cell mediated immunity (maternal lymphocytes)
Development of early GI microbiota
What percentage of immunoglobulins in colostrum are IgG, IgA, and IgM?
IgG: 85–90%
IgA: 5%
IgM: 7%
What is passive immunity, and why is it important in neonates?
Passive immunity is transfer of maternal antibodies to newborn via colostrum
Critical for early protection since neonates have immature immune system at birth
How does colostrum contribute to gut microbiota development in equine neonates?
Day 1–3: Acquisition of Enterococcus & Enterobacteriaceae (from colostrum/milk)
After Day 3: Establishment of Prevotella, Blautia & Ruminococcus (core microbiota in adult horses)
What are the consequences of Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT)?
Increased susceptibility to infections
Higher neonatal mortality rates
Poor growth and development
Greater likelihood of septicaemia
What is the minimum Brix value for high-quality colostrum?
> 22%
What is the recommended colostrum intake for neonate calves?
3–4L within the first 6 hours
Target IgG > 10g/L at 4h of age
What is the recommended colostrum intake for neonate foals?
1L within first 6h
Target IgG>8g/L at 24 hrs of age
What is RBC in a haematology report and what does a low/high RBC indicate?
Total number of red cells per litre of blood
Value will decrease in anaemia & increase with hypovolemia or in situations where bone marrow RBC production increased
RBC counts performed with haemocytometer have large degree of error
What is HCT in a haematology report and what does a low/high HCT indicate?
Stands for haematocrit (AKA packed cell volume (PCV))
This is % of blood comprised of erythrocytes
Very accurate measurement with small inherent error
Will increase in hypovolemia & decrease in anaemic states
As its possible to have >1 factor affecting HCT (e.g. hypovolemia & anaemia) we always evaluate reading in conjunction with total protein (TP)
What is HGB in a haematology report?
Stands for haemoglobin & measures amount of haemoglobin per dl of blood
Indicator of oxygen carrying capacity of blood
What is NEU in a haematology report and what does a low/high NEU indicate?
Neutrophils
Neutrophil count will increase (neutrophilia) with increased demand
- Infection (bacteria, rickettsia, viruses, fungi & parasites)
- Inflammation (immune-mediated disease, burns, necrosis, and neoplasia)
- Mild/moderate neutrophilia can be seen with stress & corticosteroid administration
Neutropaenia can be seen with inadequate bone marrow production but more commonly seen when neutrophil demand outweighs bone marrow production in per acute or acute inflammation/ infection
What is PLT in a haematology report & why should is always be confirmed on manual blood smear? What does a high PLT indicate?
Automated platelet count
Should always be confirmed on manual blood smear as platelet clumping can occur
Increased platelet count (thrombocytosis) can be seen in inflammation
