ACMC Tip: Importance of Colostrum
UK - The importance of colostrum cannot be underestimated. It is almost impossible to rear piglets which have received no colostrum, points out ACMC veterinary consultant, Paul Thompson.
3 October 2014
2 minute read
By: This is the vehicle through which the passive transfer of antibodies occurs from sow to piglet.
Vaccines which depend on the vaccination of sows — such as E.coli/clostridia vaccines — will only be effective if all piglets suckle adequate amounts.
Producers should therefore ensure, where possible, that piglets are not being cross-fostered until they have taken on colostrum.
Strategies, such as split-suckling, should be reviewed to ensure all piglets in larger litters receive an adequate dose.
