The Impact of Colostral IgG Levels on Growth and Viability in Piglets

Background Piglets are born without antibodies, as no transfer of immunoglobulins occur across the sow’s placenta. Thus, the passive transfer through colostrum is essential to establish protection against environmental pathogens and enhance the health and survival of the neonatal piglet. The aim of this study was to investigate how colostrum quality in sows influence growth and survival in piglets and to determine whether higher colostrum quality can compensate for lower colostrum intake. Methods Farrowings were monitored at three-hour intervals through regular visual inspections. Colostrum was manually collected from all teats. Antibody concentration was measured immediately using a digital Brix refractometer (PAL-1 BLT/A + W, Atago, Tokyo, Japan). Piglets were individually marked for identification and weighed immediately after colostrum sampling (birth weight) and again 24 hours after birth. Piglets were subsequently weighed at 5 and 9 weeks of age to assess growth performance. Results The antibody content in colostrum (“Brix”) averaged 27.5%, with a median of 27.2%, a minimum of 24.1% and a maximum of 32.2%. Antibody levels in colostrum had no significant effect on survival. Piglets with a Brix value ≥ 27.5% (n = 149) showed significantly higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) at 5 weeks of age compared to those with values < 27.5% (n = 159). Median AWDG for the two groups were 298 g and 276 g, respectively. Piglets with a Brix value ≥ 27.5% (n = 144) also showed significantly higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) at 9 weeks of age compared to those with values < 27.5% (n = 154). Median AWDG for the two groups were 510 g and 486 g, respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, colostrum quality as measured by a Brix refractometer has a significant impact on piglet growth from birth to 5 and 9 weeks of age, where antibody levels above 27.5% resulted in significantly better growth. Birth weight was shown to be highly important for survival, whereas antibody levels in colostrum had no direct effect.