Relation between Apgar scoring and physical parameters in 44 newborn Amiata donkey foals at birth

Abstract

The assessment of the behavior and physiological parameters of neonatal foals is essential in the detection of early signs of illness. Modified Apgar scoring systems from human medicine exist and have been validated in foals as a guide for assessing neonatal viability after birth. This study evaluated the viability of 44 Amiata donkey foals at birth, by assessing the Apgar score and comparing the relationship between viability and various physical parameters. A total of 44 Amiata donkey foals and 27 jennies were enrolled in this study. An expert operator examined each foal within 5 minutes of birth. A complete physical examination was performed, along with an existing fourparameter Apgar score. The presence of the suckling reflex was evaluated. The interval time needed to acquire sternal recumbency and quadrupedal position, as well as nurse from the mare, were recorded. In addition, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal body temperature (BT) were measured. Results were expressed as median±standard error, minimum and maximum values. The effects of the Apgar score on time to reach sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were estimated along with the differences related to Apgar scoring and gender. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the time to acquire sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were also assessed. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the Apgar score was evaluated using a chi-Square test. Finally, the reference values for Amiata donkeys were also calculated. Highlights 1 The assessment of neonatal foal is mandatory to notice precocious signs of illness. 2  The viability of Amiata donkey foals at birth was evaluated by the Apgar score. 3  Physical parameters were compared, and the effect Apgar score on them was assessed. 4  The Apgar score was compared with some physical parameters. 5  The Apgar score was effective in assessing vitality in neonatal donkey foals. 6  Apgar score relates to body temperature and respiratory rate, not to heart rate. 7 *Highlights (for review)

Maternal and Neonatal Evaluation of Derived Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential in Donkey Mares and Foals

“…Jennies were constantly supervised 24 h/day when calcium in the colostrum was over 200 ppm [38]. Foals were evaluated for the APGAR score [39].…”

Evaluation of jennies' colostrum: IgG concentrations and absorption in the donkey foals. A preliminary study

“…Donkey foals have been included in this study on the basis of the following criteria: (1) gestation length ≥372 days [ 24 ]; (2) unassisted delivery; (3) jennies treated against gastrointestinal parasites and vaccinated against equine influenza, tetanus, and equine herpes virus-1, according to guidelines of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee (Adult Horse Vaccination Chart, 2010); (4) Apgar score ≥7,5 min after birth [ 25 ]; (5) presence of righting reflex immediately after foaling, suck reflex within 10 min, sternal recumbency within 5 min [ 26 ], quadrupedal position within 127.5 ± 70 min, and nursing the mare within 200 ± 67.4 min after birth [ 27 ]. Foals were physically examined before each weighting session, and they appeared to be clinically healthy during the study period.…”

Evaluation of Different Methods to Estimate the Transfer of Immunity in Donkey Foals Fed with Colostrum of Good IgG Quality: A Preliminary Study

“…All the donkey foals were born at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa during the foaling season 2019-2020. Immediately after birth all the donkey foals were evaluated with a dedicated APGAR score [22]. All the donkey foals were fed by their own dam with a good quality of colostrum within the first 3 hours of life [23,24].…”