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Bulletin No. 18 - Spring 2004
MiscelleanousImmunology
LE DIVIDICH J, MARTINEAU GP, THOMAS F, DEMAY H, RENOULT H, HOMO C, BOUTIN D, GAILLARD L, SUREL Y, BOUTEARD R, MASSARD M
Acquisition de l'immunité passive chez les porcelets et production de colostrum chez la truie - (acquisition of passive immunity in piglets and production of colostrum in sows).
Journées Recherche Porcine, 36, 2004, 451-456
Colostrum composition and the correlation between birth rank of piglets and acquisition of passive immunity were investigated in 40 sows and their respective piglets. The results show a 31% decrease in the IgG content of colostrum as soon as three hours after the first piglet is born and much higher levels of passive immunity in piglets born first at two days after farrowing and until weaning. The weight gain of the litter during the first 24 hours allows to assess colostrum production which was demonstrated not to depend on the characteristics of the litter. Colostrum quality, quantity and intake play a major role in piglets for their acquisition of passive immunity and survival. Besides, the authors propose colostrum production and homogeneity of the litter to be included as new parameters in selection programs.
