Authors: Terpeluk Eva Ronja, Schäfer Jana, Finkler-Schade Christa, Rauch Elke, Rohn Karl, Schuberth Hans-Joachim
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Colostrum quality assessment in equine practice typically relies on refractometry or immunoglobulin G quantification, yet the broader immunomodulatory capacity of this crucial first milk remains poorly characterised. Terpeluk and colleagues investigated whether supplementing pregnant mares with a *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* fermentation product (SCFP) for twelve weeks pre-partum would enhance colostral bioactivity and confer lasting immunological benefits to their offspring. Fourteen supplemented mares and twelve controls were evaluated; whilst SCFP administration did not alter colostral IgG concentrations or Brix values, colostrum from supplemented mares demonstrated significantly heightened biological activity when assessed using porcine epithelial cell culture assays. Although foals from both groups responded similarly to parenteral influenza and tetanus vaccination at 5–8 months of age, those nursing colostrum with greater biological activity showed vaccination-induced alterations in circulating neutrophil numbers that correlated with colostral activity levels—suggesting the probiotic supplement programmes innate immune function beyond conventional antibody transfer. These findings indicate that late-gestation mare supplementation with SCFP may enhance the non-antibody immunoactive constituents of colostrum, potentially influencing foal immune competence during the critical post-weaning period, though practitioners should note that classical colostrum quality markers (IgG, Brix) remained unaffected.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Supplementing pregnant mares with SCFP in the final 12 weeks of gestation may enhance colostrum's immune-modulating properties, potentially supporting foal immune development later in life
- •Standard colostrum quality measures (Brix refractometry and IgG concentration) do not capture all bioactive components; biological activity testing provides additional information about colostrum quality
- •The enhanced colostrum bioactivity may influence foal innate immune responses to vaccination, suggesting a longer-term immunological benefit beyond the immediate post-parturient period
Key Findings
- •Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) supplementation in late gestation did not alter mare serum or colostrum IgG concentrations
- •Colostrum from SCFP-supplemented mares exhibited heightened biological activity compared to controls
- •Vaccination-induced changes in circulating neutrophilic granulocyte numbers were significantly correlated with colostrum biological activity in foals aged 5-8 months
- •Growth rates and diarrhea episodes were comparable between foals of supplemented and non-supplemented mares