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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
A plasma donor horse isn\u2019t just any horse pulled from a field. As the Veterinary Immunogenics team explains, the starting point is good behaviour.
\n\u201cThere are a number of different attributes which can make a great plasma donor,\u201d says Bernadette Willetts, Laboratory Manager. \u201cLike us, each donor is an individual, and sometimes it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kay Johnston, Pheresing Technician, agrees: \u201cA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cThe best donor horses we\u2019ve had are retired carriage driving horses,\u201d adds Hayley Graham, Production Manager. \u201cThey tend to have exceptional manners due to the nature of the job they used to do.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n As Willetts explains, \u201cOur donors enjoy 24\/7 turnout over a large acreage. They are provided with ad lib forage, mineral licks, and access to large shelters. They\u2019re very social and love human interaction, and we make sure each horse gets time spent with them.\u201d Graham adds, \u201cOver 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\u2019s what makes this work so rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 own laboratory. Plasma is frozen immediately and stored between -15\u00b0C and -30\u00b0C until shipped. You can find more about these stringent measures on the Purity and Safety page.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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\u2014nothing that dilutes the natural efficacy.<\/p>\n For clinics, this means confidence. When a unit of Hypermune\u2122 plasma is delivered, it has passed every test\u2014sterility, antibody levels, purity, and safety\u2014long before it leaves the facility.<\/p>\n According to Willetts, \u201cThe biggest surprise for new staff members is how different the draft breeds are to any other horse they\u2019ve worked with. You may think you\u2019re experienced and have seen it all, but these boys will remind you there\u2019s still so much to learn. They\u2019re intelligent, gentle, and often prefer human company to that of other horses.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnston adds, \u201cYou quickly realise how big their personalities are. They\u2019re gentle giants, full of character, and it doesn\u2019t take long for them to win you over.\u201d<\/p>\n 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, \u201cOur donors are given a new purpose in life here. They\u2019re vital to the veterinary industry, and that gives everyone on the team a great sense of pride.\u201d<\/p>\n By the time Hypermune\u2122 plasma reaches a veterinary practice, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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\u2122, they\u2019re drawing on that entire chain of care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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\u2019s 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. … <\/p>\n
\nYou can read more about the donor herd here.<\/a><\/p>\nA Day in the Pasture<\/h4>\n
\nDaily care is overseen by a licensed veterinarian, supported by dedicated technicians who form close bonds with the animals. \u201cMost of our boys thoroughly enjoy being pampered,\u201d says Johnston. \u201cIt\u2019s another opportunity for one-to-one time with staff.\u201d<\/p>\nThe Collection Process<\/h4>\n
\nIt keeps donors comfortable while maximising safety.<\/p>\nSafety That Rivals Human Standards<\/h4>\n
What Surprises New Staff?<\/h4>\n
From Paddock to Patient<\/h4>\n
\nor speak with the Veterinary Immunogenics team<\/a> about product availability and protocols.<\/p>\nClosing Thought<\/h4>\n