# Beyond Birth: Pioneering Insights into Colostrum Quality Variation among Bitches with Different Types of Parturition

## TL;DR

This study examines how different types of birth in dogs affect the quality of colostrum, focusing on immunoglobulin levels and puppy survival.

## Contribution

The study reveals that aglepristone injection before elective cesarean improves colostrum immunoglobulin levels in bitches.

## Key findings

- Elective cesarean sections without aglepristone result in significantly lower IgG and IgA concentrations in colostrum.
- Aglepristone injection 24 hours before cesarean increases immunoglobulin levels in bitches.
- Lower immunoglobulin levels in colostrum from elective cesareans do not affect puppy survival rates.

## Abstract

In this study, the immunological quality of the colostrum of dogs was examined in relation to the different modes of birth in bitches. The four following groups were studied: vaginal delivery (VP), emergency cesarean section (EM-CS), elective cesarean section, (EL-CS) and elective cesarean section with a prior aglepristone injection (EL-A). Colostrum samples were taken from 40 bitches of 18 breeds immediately after the birth of the first puppy or directly after surgery, and four hours later. The concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. The EL-CS group showed significantly lower IgG and IgA concentrations when compared to the other groups. The injection of aglepristone 24 h before the cesarean section increased the IgG and IgA concentrations. Despite lower IgG and IgA levels in the EL-CS group, puppy survival was not affected. The study suggests that progesterone withdrawal before birth may influence higher immunoglobulin concentrations in the mammary glands of bitches.

This study deals with the immunological quality of canine colostrum in relation to the different parturition modes in bitches. It included four groups of bitches, who underwent vaginal parturition (VP), emergency cesarean section (EM-CS), elective cesarean section (EL-CS), or elective cesarean section with aglepristone injection 24 h prior to surgery (EL-A). Colostrum samples from 40 bitches of 18 breeds were taken immediately after the birth of the first puppy or directly after surgery, and four hours later. The concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA were measured using ELISA tests. The initial IgG concentration was 18.3 ± 10.2 g/L, and the IgA concentration was 13.7 ± 5.8 g/L, respectively. Significantly lower IgG and IgA concentrations were observed in the EL-CS group compared to other groups. The administration of aglepristone led to an increase in IgG and IgA concentrations. Despite the lower immunoglobulin levels with EL-CS, the survival rate of the puppies was not affected. The study shows that immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum vary between bitches, with the type of birth significantly influencing the levels. Progesterone withdrawal before birth could play a decisive role in increasing IgG and IgA concentrations in the mammary glands of the bitches.