[spyro1]

Hmmm, I have to disagree with nocturno, colostrum is very very important to teh foal in teh first few hours of life, regardless what mare it comes from. Colostrum is made up of antibodies, so if it comes from a mare that has been properly vaccinated, you will be fine. It is very expensive, like $600.00 (can't remember how many oz off the top of my head)Ask your vet if he knows of any breeding farms in your area that would have any extra (mare loses foal, they milk the colostrum, freeze it), which, btw is completely safe, I really don't understand the above statements against it, it is done all teh time with no ill effects. Mares can foal early and still produce colostrum, though, if you are terribly worried, have your vet come and do a vet check if only to set your mind at ease. is this her first foal, why do you feel that she is going to go early? Ease your jitters, she is going to be fine, nervous grandma syndrome cute_kis PS, I have a friend down here that lost her app foal a couple of years ago (born stillborn) they milked the colostrum and she has it frozen, she may be willing to give it up, if I asked her really nicely, that is worst case scenerio that you will need colostrum though. wink

<small>[ January 25, 2004, 05:53 AM: Message edited by: spyro1 ]</small>

[spyro1]

Here is a very informative link on colostrum:
http://gwranch.users.ixpres.com/colostrum.htm

[PawNHoofPrints]

Kind of hard to explain, but basically, your horses can stay well with a certain level of organsims that could make them sick. If you bring in colostrum from another form, you are bringing organisms from another farm that one you may not have at all or two are just slightly below the level where your horses are not sick. This could lead to new diseases in your horses or cause potential outbreaks in your herd. Most places, especially dairy farms, will not swap out colostrum for the fear of disease.

[Blistering Winds]

I have heard of that. But in horses, it is rare to transfer anything major.

The plasma transfer from the mare works. A little pricy, but works. If you are afraid that the mare will die soon after, for some reason, then plan the birth. Or have your vet on an ON CALL basis. So if the mare does go down, you can do the plasma transfer before she dies. It is done a lot in the horse world if the mare doesn't have much in the colostrum (which can happen) or the foal is sick at birth and can't nurse right away. If the foal doesn't nurse within a certain amount of time, colostrum is useless because the foal cannot absorb the antibodies directly.

Definitly get with an equine vet on this and get ready for anything.

[Cntrysass20]

Thank You all for everything. Yes, its nervous grandma jitters. LOL. She is my favorite and she is a maiden. Sorry I didnt answer back right away, but my grandfather passed away Monday and things are a little hectic. She is at 277 days right now and is almost bagged. She is a little elongated. And a B****. WOW. She is such a sweet mare that I would turn little kids loose around her without even the tinest doubt. NOT anymore. Her whole additude has chnaged seriously. But thats normal for late term. She is biting her sides constantly. I think she will carry ALMOST full term. I am expecting her to be a little early. And if she goes full term then at least I am prepared ahead of time. Yes, I know how hard it is for a foal born before 320 days. Been there before and have friends that have been there before. Thats why I was a nutcase for a while. I dont plan on ever breeding this mare again. Too much stress for ME. So if this foal isnt viable it will still be her last. Just previous experience makes her appear to be getting ready to foal early. Oh well, we wil see. She is a maiden so that leaves a lot of room for her to do as she pleases. LOL. Thanks again Jessie

[Abbie22057]

Sorry about your grandpa. Also, I have never heard that too much colostrum can mess up a baby. I have always heard that they need as much as they can drink. If you really want to be on the safe side, ask your vet if you could use cow colostrum. You could easily get a gallon from the nearest dairy farm. I don't know why it wouldn't work, but better ask.

[Blistering Winds]

Sounds like she should be good if she's baggin up. Those that don't bag up are the one's you need to worry the most about.

If you are worried about the foal, if she's getting enough antibodies, about 48 hrs, have the vet do an antibody test especially for foals. It will tell if she has enough immunity stuff to get a good start in life or if she needs a transfer. Many vets have it standard practice in the foal check.

Anyways, good luck