Effects of maternal dietary supplementation with antioxidants on clinical status of mares and their foal.
Authors: Del Prete Chiara, Vastolo Alessandro, Pasolini Maria Pia, Cocchia Natascia, Montano Chiara, Cutrignelli Monica Isabella
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Maternal antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy produced measurable benefits for both mare and foal, with the supplemented group (Antiox) experiencing a shortened gestation period compared to controls and foals achieving substantially greater weight gains postnatally (40% vs 28.6%). Colostrum quality was notably enhanced in the Antiox group, demonstrating significantly elevated Brix readings, total solids, protein, nonfat solids, casein, and glucose concentrations—critical parameters for passive transfer of immunity and early neonatal nutrition—although fat and lactose levels were reduced. Maternal serum biochemistry revealed lower albumin, creatinine, glucose, and hepatic enzyme markers (AST, ALT) at key timepoints in the supplemented mares, suggesting improved metabolic efficiency and reduced oxidative stress during late pregnancy and lactation, whilst foal blood parameters showed no significant differences between groups. These findings suggest antioxidant supplementation may optimise mare health and colostral composition during the periparturient period, potentially enhancing neonatal vigour and passive immunity transfer; however, practitioners should note the complex interplay between supplementation, gestation length, and foal development warrants further investigation to establish optimal dosing protocols and long-term performance outcomes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Maternal antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy may improve foal growth rates and colostrum nutritional composition, though the clinical significance of altered colostrum composition requires further evaluation
- •Changes in mare serum biochemistry suggest antioxidant supplementation alters maternal metabolism; monitor mares receiving antioxidants for potential effects on nutrient utilization
- •Foals showed no biochemical differences despite improved growth, suggesting antioxidant effects primarily benefit maternal health rather than direct fetal programming
Key Findings
- •Maternal antioxidant supplementation reduced pregnancy length and increased foal weight gain by 40% compared to control (28.6%)
- •Antioxidant-supplemented mares produced colostrum with higher protein, total solids, casein, and glucose but lower fat and lactose content
- •Supplemented mares showed lower serum albumin, creatinine, glucose, total proteins, and liver enzymes (AST/ALT) at various timepoints
- •No significant differences were detected in foal serum biochemistry between treatment groups