Veterinarians know the value of plasma in critical cases. A single bag can mean the difference between a foal thriving or succumbing to infection. What’s not widely known is what goes on behind the scenes: the donor animals, the collection process, and the people dedicated to making sure every unit that leaves Veterinary Immunogenics is safe, effective, and ethically sourced.
Horses with a New Purpose
A plasma donor horse isn’t just any horse pulled from a field. As the Veterinary Immunogenics team explains, the starting point is good behaviour.
“There are a number of different attributes which can make a great plasma donor,” says Bernadette Willetts, Laboratory Manager. “Like us, each donor is an individual, and sometimes it’s a selection of different qualities that makes them great. A generally calm disposition and trainable attitude are always a plus, and a good personality where they enjoy spending time with people also helps, as spending up to seven hours one-on-one together can be a big ask.”
Kay Johnston, Pheresing Technician, agrees: “A great plasma donor horse is one who will happily and comfortably stand to allow grooms and pheresis technicians to carry out the procedure in a safe and relaxed environment for all. Horses who have a calm, relaxed demeanour usually make great plasma donors compared to those who are more aware of their surroundings.”
Beyond health, personality matters. These horses are handled often, so they must be calm to catch, patient in a cross-tie, and safe for staff, farriers, and veterinarians. Many come to the programme after retiring from other work, gaining a new life and a fresh purpose. “The best donor horses we’ve had are retired carriage driving horses,” adds Hayley Graham, Production Manager. “They tend to have exceptional manners due to the nature of the job they used to do.”
You can read more about the donor herd here.
A Day in the Pasture
You might imagine the facility as clinical, but the reality is more pastoral. Donor horses only donate plasma about once a month. The rest of the time, they graze, roam, and socialise in large, open paddocks.
As Willetts explains, “Our donors enjoy 24/7 turnout over a large acreage. They are provided with ad lib forage, mineral licks, and access to large shelters. They’re very social and love human interaction, and we make sure each horse gets time spent with them.”
Daily care is overseen by a licensed veterinarian, supported by dedicated technicians who form close bonds with the animals. “Most of our boys thoroughly enjoy being pampered,” says Johnston. “It’s another opportunity for one-to-one time with staff.”
Graham adds, “Over the years there have been many memorable bonds formed between staff and horses. Fergus, our General Manager, has a special bond with Ted, and one of my favourites was Ed, a nervous horse who grew in confidence with time and training. They all have such different personalities, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.”
These anecdotes remind us that while the science is serious, the horses are still very much horses, with quirks, friendships, and personalities that brighten the workday.
The Collection Process
When it comes time for donation, the procedure mirrors human plasma collection. Using advanced pheresis equipment in a closed system, whole blood is drawn, the plasma separated, and red cells returned to the donor. This method, as detailed on the Collection Process page
It keeps donors comfortable while maximising safety.
There are eight carefully monitored steps: donor preparation, blood sampling, analysis and testing, centrifugal separation, plasma collection, return of cells, freezing and storage, and finally, distribution. Each bag is single-source and cell-free, never blended, which means traceability is absolute and the risk of reactions is reduced.
From a technical perspective, purity is everything. Protein levels are tracked during the procedure, sterility testing is performed on every batch, and immunoglobulin concentrations are confirmed in Veterinary Immunogenics’ own laboratory. Plasma is frozen immediately and stored between -15°C and -30°C until shipped. You can find more about these stringent measures on the Purity and Safety page.
Safety That Rivals Human Standards
It’s easy to forget that veterinary plasma is held to many of the same standards as human products. Veterinary Immunogenics is licensed by the VMD, and the same closed-system technology used for human collection is employed here. Acid citrate dextrose-A is the only additive. No preservatives, no pasteurisation—nothing that dilutes the natural efficacy.
For clinics, this means confidence. When a unit of Hypermune™ plasma is delivered, it has passed every test—sterility, antibody levels, purity, and safety—long before it leaves the facility.
What Surprises New Staff?
According to Willetts, “The biggest surprise for new staff members is how different the draft breeds are to any other horse they’ve worked with. You may think you’re experienced and have seen it all, but these boys will remind you there’s still so much to learn. They’re intelligent, gentle, and often prefer human company to that of other horses.”
Johnston adds, “You quickly realise how big their personalities are. They’re gentle giants, full of character, and it doesn’t take long for them to win you over.”
For many staff, the reward lies not just in producing life-saving plasma, but in giving horses a new role, a safe environment, and meaningful daily care. As Graham explains, “Our donors are given a new purpose in life here. They’re vital to the veterinary industry, and that gives everyone on the team a great sense of pride.”
From Paddock to Patient
By the time Hypermune™ plasma reaches a veterinary practice, it’s already been through a long journey: from the careful selection of donor horses to the precision of collection and the scrutiny of testing, all under the watchful eyes of those who care for the herd every day.
The result? Each bag is not just a treatment, but a story of science, compassion, and teamwork. For more details, you can visit the FAQ page
or speak with the Veterinary Immunogenics team about product availability and protocols.
Closing Thought
Plasma is often thought of as a product, but perhaps it should be seen as a promise. Behind every bag is a herd of well-cared-for horses, a team of skilled technicians, and a system built on safety and trust. When veterinarians administer Hypermune™, they’re drawing on that entire chain of care.
