Abstract
Simple SummaryColostrum intake is essential for piglets. Gilt litters may not receive the same quantity and quality of colostrum as the litters from sows do. An extra dose of 30 mL divided into two doses (20 min apart, using a gastric tube) of colostrum from multiparous sows was administered to piglets born from gilts to ascertain its effects on piglets’ performance and health in farm conditions, with a special interest in the smallest piglets (under quartile 1, Q1). Quartiles for birth weight were Q1 = 1.100 kg, Q2 = 1.300 kg, and Q3 = 1.500 kg (n = 401). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets), and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea. Immune response improved among SUP piglets for the diseases evaluated. In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had significant effects on mean weight and ADG in the first days of life. The smallest piglets had a reduced use of antibiotics when supplemented. The time and labour invested in colostrum supplementation could be compensated by the improvement of piglets’ productive parameters and health.Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity.
Highlights
Colostrum intake is essential for piglet growth and development, in the lactation phase [1,2] and later ages
34 litters were counted (18 in the control group (CON) group and 16 in the supplemented group (SUP) group) since one gilt in the SUP group arrived empty at the maternity area
No significant differences were found for the reproductive parameters in both groups (p > 0.05) (Table 1)
Summary
Colostrum intake is essential for piglet growth and development, in the lactation phase [1,2] and later ages. Colostrum intake may have long-term effects on the growth of piglets from 3 weeks of age until after fattening [4]. Colostrum provides piglets with warmth, energy, and the immunity and growth factors involved in intestinal development. It is most accessible during the first 12 h from birth; no piglet should be moved before this time [5,6]. Piglets would have difficulties in feeding on large amounts of colostrum, improving the amount of colostrum ingested will increase the essential nutrients provided [7]. There are several ways to increase colostrum intake: increasing the ability of piglets to access a teat, reducing intra-litter weight variation, and increasing the amount of colostrum produced by sows [3]
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