Effect of mare body condition on passive immunity transfer and morphometric evaluation of Mangalarga Marchador foals from birth to weaning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2026v47n1p7Keywords:
Body condition score, Body conformation, Colostrum quality, Physiological parameters.Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether body condition score (BCS), mare weight and age, and foal sex influence passive immunity transfer and the productive performance of foals from birth to weaning. The experiment was conducted at a commercial stud farm in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, using 34 Mangalarga Marchador mares and their respective foals. The experimental design was completely randomized. The mares were observed on the day of foaling to record the foals' birth, assess colostrum intake and quality, and measure weight using a tape measure, as well as to evaluate physiological parameters in the newborns. Passive immunity transfer from mare to foal was analyzed using the rapid “IgG Check” test. Foals were assessed monthly for weight and morphometric measurements during the first five months of life. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and means were compared using the F test or regression analysis, with adjustments to linear and quadratic models (P<0.05). All analyses were performed using SAS software at a 5% probability level. No effect (P≥0.05) of the evaluated parameters was observed on passive immunity transfer or physiological parameters of foals at birth. However, mare BCS affected (P<0.05) height at the withers and rump length at birth. Mare BCS did not influence (P≥0.05) morphometric measurements of foals at weaning. Foal sex affected height at the withers, shoulder length, and rump length at weaning. It was concluded that the evaluated factors did not influence passive immunity transfer; however, foal sex and mare BCS influenced foal growth up to five months of age.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Isadora Leite e Lopes, Lívia Vieira de Barros, Letícia Ferrari Crocomo, Felipe Gomes da Silva, Daniel Ananias de Assis Pires , Viviane Cristine Leite Gomes, Raphael Colombo Gaspar, Ana Ariela Gusmão Versiani, Lucas Edinan Viveiros Vieira, Mariana Rabelo Madureira
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