Dania Cingottini Contacts: dania.cingottini@phd.unipi.itORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6738-0354 Thesis supervisors: Prof.ssa Micaela Sgorbini Project title: Multi-omics Characterisation of colostrum in equine species and potential use as a nutraceutical in foals. Abstract: Colostrum is composed of various bioactive components, including immunoglobulins, growth factors, non-specific immune factors, vitamins, peptides, hormones, minerals and oligosacchardides. It permits passive immune transfer, but it can also play a significant role in its use as a nutraceutical. The relationship between colostrum, passive immune transfer and the health of foals is well established. However, its role as a nutraceutical in disease prevention and reducing the need for treatments, particularly antimicrobials, remains unclear. This research project has three main aims: 1) multi-omics characterization of mare’s colostrum and foal’s plasma during the first three days of life; 2) assess the effect of colostrum supplementation on health and growth in both healthy and FPT foals. We will conduct metabolomic and lipidomic analysis on foal’s plasma and evaluate health status; 3) metabolomic and microbiota analysis of foal’s feces. The anticipated results will provide a multi-omic characterization of mare’s colostrum and foal’s blood within the first three days of life. Additionally, we will analyse foal plasma following colostrum supplementation, and compare it with a control group, does not receive supplementation. Oral communications at the conference: Cingottini D, Nocera I, Sorvillo B, Sala G, Boysen S, Bindi F, Bonelli F, and Sgorbini M. Evaluation of Learning Curve for Point-of Care Ultrasound Protocol in Equine Species: preliminary study. 2025 International Workshop on Measurements and Applications in Veterinary and Animal Sciences (MeAVeAS 2025), April, Pisa, Italy.