Mammary gland secretion pH and electrolytes in prepartum Mangalarga Marchador mares

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine pH and the concentrations Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Chloride (Cl-), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) (Ca2+) in mammary gland secretion pre-foaling Mangalarga Marchador (MM) mares best method predict parturition breed. Forty-two pregnant MM were evaluated once daily from 310 days gestation until parturition. Mammary pH, measured by meter paper strip, Mg2+, Ca2+ Cl- levels significantly changed during last 10 prior (p<0.05). lowest mean value (pH meter=6.67±0.42; strip=6.23±0.53) higher (12.6±5.8mmol/L) Mg2+ (10.93±3.66mmol/L) obtained 24 hours foaling (p<0.0001). reduced 8 (p<0.0001) but remained unchanged due date. secretion, effective Quantitative values with had a greater accuracy comparison strips, strong correlation found between both methods. magnesium only electrolytes that concentration immediately are better indicators when not expect foaling.