For equine veterinarians and breeding operations, foaling season is one of the most rewarding and demanding times of the year. Each birth is a milestone, but the first hours of a foal’s life carry significant risks, particularly if something interrupts the natural transfer of immunity from mare to newborn.
That’s why keeping plasma for foals in stock is more than a convenience. It is a critical safeguard. Whether you work in a rural practice serving multiple farms or a high-volume equine hospital, being prepared with the right plasma products ensures you can act quickly when a foal’s health depends on it.
Why Plasma for Foals Is a Foaling-Season Essential
As equine veterinarians and breeding specialists know, the first hours of a foal’s life are a critical window for establishing immunity. In a normal birth, a foal receives protective antibodies from the mare’s colostrum shortly after standing and nursing. When that colostrum is unavailable, low in quality, or not adequately absorbed, the result is Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) or Partial Failure of Passive Transfer (PFPT), conditions that leave foals far more susceptible to infection and disease.
Plasma for foals serves as a direct and immediate way to bridge this gap, delivering high concentrations of gamma globulins into the foal’s bloodstream and rapidly boosting immune defences. Most veterinary teams understand that it’s not just for FPT cases, as plasma also provides valuable support in managing other health challenges common to foals, such as diarrhoea, colitis, pneumonia, renal disorders and recovery following surgery. For more about the risks of FPT, see our blog on ‘What is Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals?’
For practices serving breeding operations, having plasma readily available can mean the difference between immediate treatment and the potentially dangerous delays of waiting for an emergency shipment.
Assessing How Much Plasma to Keep on Hand
The right stocking level for plasma for foals depends on the number of mares you expect to care for during foaling season, the historical rate of FPT or PFPT in your practice area, the prevalence of Rhodococcus equi in your region, and your clinic’s distance from suppliers, which may influence delivery times. You should also consider other potential uses for plasma, such as treatment for sick or recovering adult horses. A good starting point is to maintain enough units to treat at least 10 to 20 per cent of expected foal births, with an additional buffer for emergencies. Rural practices and those serving large breeding operations may need to keep more plasma on hand to account for weather-related shipping interruptions or seasonal surges in demand.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential to preserving the quality and effectiveness of plasma for foals. Plasma should be kept in a freezer between –17°C and –40°C. It is viable for up to three years when stored under these conditions. Rotating stock every year ensures that the oldest units are used first, helping prevent waste. Before foaling season begins, it is important to inspect freezers, confirm temperature accuracy with calibrated thermometers, and check thawing and administration equipment to ensure everything is ready for immediate use.
Ordering and Restocking Strategies
Pre-Season Bulk Orders
For rural practices or those with high foaling volumes, ordering plasma before the season begins ensures you are prepared from the first foaling onward.
Staggered Orders
Practices closer to suppliers may prefer to place smaller, more frequent orders while still maintaining a minimum reserve for urgent cases.
Supplier Partnerships
Working with a reliable supplier is key to keeping plasma stock levels where they need to be. Coordinating with Plasvacc directly can help ensure you have the right products, in the right quantities, exactly when you need them. More information on ordering is available at ‘How to Order.’
Thawing and Administration Reminders
Even the best-stocked inventory only works if it is handled correctly. Plasma must be thawed and administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions to preserve its therapeutic value. Thaw plasma in a water bath no warmer than 40°C, ideally 35–40°C, using a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature. Direct heat sources, such as microwaves, heating elements, or hot running tap water, should be avoided. During administration, use a 200-micron blood administration set to filter out normal fibrin particles and prevent line clogs, and keep extra filters nearby in case of blockage. Always review the dosage and administration guidelines before use. Plasma transfusions should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on proper thawing, see our ‘Plasma Transfusion for Animals: Best Practices from Preparation to Administration’ guide and thawing instructions page.
Pre-Season Plasma Readiness Checklist
- Plasma units in stock and within expiration date
- Freezers functioning at correct temperatures
- Thawing and administration equipment in good condition
- Staff trained or refreshed on handling and administration protocols
- Supplier contact details posted for quick reference
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the health of newborn foals, preparation is everything. Stocking plasma for foals before the foaling season begins allows you to respond instantly to cases of FPT, PFPT, or other immune challenges. For breeding operations and the veterinary teams that serve them, readiness translates directly into better outcomes, healthier foals, and peace of mind.
If you have questions about stocking levels, storage requirements, or ordering Equiplas® for your practice, our team is here to help you prepare for a successful foaling season.
