Colostrum

JH

Colostrum

First milk produced by the sow up to 24 hours after farrowing

composition of sow colostrum and milk

Why is colostrum important for piglets

Thermoregulation

provision of maternal antibodies, for systemic and mucosal production

colostrum includes hormones and growth factos, bioactive compounds, immune cells → intestinal development, immune development, growth

Why does thermoregulation matter

low body termpature is associated iwht neonatal mortality

piglets at most ris: low birth weight, low temperature

how much colostrum is enough

rule of thumb: piglets need a minimum of 200 g to survive

How do we know how much a colostrum a piglets drink

cannot directly measure, thus estimate

bottlefed piglet, widely used, but underestimates colostrum intake

piglet suckling on the sow, better reflects colostrum intaske under practical conditions

equation to estimate colostrum intake includes

birth weight

weight gain

duration of suckling (0-24 h after birth)

time needed to reach the udder (only bottlefed piglet)

IgG maternal transfer\\

colostrum from sow to piglets

overview

hormonal changes before farrowing

colostrum syntehsis

progestorone decline, ovaries, corpora lutea, pregnancy hormone

prolactin rise, pituitary glad

hormonal activity during farrowing

neonatal suckling, continous release

cyyclical suckling, in bouts, each 45 min

oxyotcin release, hypothalamus

in practice, not every sow produce the same amount of colostrum and not every piglet gets the same start

Variation in colostrum intake

birth order + farrowing duration

increase in litter size, decrease in colostrum available per piglet

sow colostrum proudction 7 kg

• 16 piglets 444 g/piglet

  • 20 piglets, 350 g/piglet

Which piglets are at greatest risk

low birth weight

late-born piglets in large litters and/or after prolonged farrowing

weak, cold or low-vitality piglets

colostrum management: split-sucking

how does it work, soon after farrowing

1. select piglets, heaviest piglets, first born piglets

2. temporarily isolate piglets, mark selected piglets, place piglets in a crate under a heat lamp, allower alternative suckling for arround an hour

3. alternate groups if needed

colostrum mangement: cross-fosterin

how does it work

1. select early born piglets, ensure sufficient colostrum intake ifrom the birth sow

2. select a foster sow, match litter size to functional teats, piglet size and teat size

   1. redistribute piglets,within 24 h after farrowing, based on age and weight

Why does the piglet need colostrum

energy for thermoregulation and survival

immunity for systemic and mucosal protection

developmetn for intestinal and immune developmetn and growth

colostrum is essential for the newborn piglet

provides energy, passive immunity and bioactive componeents that support survival and developmentn

not every piglet consume the same amount of colostrum

litter size, birth weight, birth order, vitality and farrowing duration all matter

timing is critical

colostrum quality change rapidly after birth of the first piglet

maangement should target thepiglet that needs help

improve access to the udder, split suckling and cross fostering