Colostrum production in swine: from the mammary glands to the piglets.

Abstract

Abstract An early and high intake of colostrum is a major determinant of survival during the early suckling period, when most losses occur. Indeed, piglets are born devoid of body fat and are dependent on colostrum as their sole energy source. Colostrum also has other essential roles for the developing piglet; most importantly, it provides passive immunity and nutrients to the piglet and permits thermoregulation. It also stimulates gastrointestinal development, muscle protein synthesis and the development of active immunity. Neonatal swine can efficiently use colostrum since they have a remarkable capacity to deposit large amounts of fat and can also absorb intact immunoglobulins for 24 h postnatally. The production of colostrum, however, is very variable between sows and the factors affecting this variability are not well known. Such studies are most difficult to carry out since it is not easy to estimate colostrum yield. Indeed, the various methods that can be used tomeasure colostrum yield all have several drawbacks. The endocrine status of the sow undoubtedly affects the process of colostrogenesis and the underlying mammary changes associated with it. The composition of sow colostrum is well known, yet it is only recently that the presence of numerous bioactive compounds which can either protect piglets from infection or modulate their metabolism was detected in colostral secretions. There are indications that the composition of colostrum can be altered by some management components but further studies are necessary in that area.