Beaufort Cottage Laboratories > Laboratory Services > Clinical Chemistry: IgG

Clinical Chemistry: IgG

This assay is valuable as an assessment of colostral transfer of immunity to the new-born foal. We measure IgG by an immunoturbidimetric method on our autoanalyser. This method is more reliable than most 'foal-side' tests currently available, especially in the critical lower range (0-4g/l).

Serum samples should be taken from foals on the second day of life when IgG levels should be >6 g/l. Levels <3 g/l suggest complete failure and 3-6 g/l suggest partial failure of colostral immunity, indicating the need for prophylactic measures.

In cases where plasma transfusion is indicated we recommend the use of commercial hyperimmune plasma. If non-commercial donor plasma is being considered, we can run compatibility tests between donor serum and recipient red cells.

Measuring IgG in colostrum can be a useful way of predicting failure of passive transfer in the foal. Colostral IgG is measured semi-quantitatively immediately after parturition, using a refractometer (Colostrometer). If readings suggest an IgG level of less than 45g/l, the foal should be considered for donor colostrum supplementation.

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