The Pre-Weaning Piglet: Colostrum and Milk Intake: a Review

This article reviews the factors that influence the piglet’s colostrum and milk intake. Colostrum is secreted from the udder immediately after farrowing and is high in protein and immunoglobulins. Absorption of immunoglobulins is highest between 8 and 12 hours after birth. Piglet’s ability to absorb immunoglobulins falls rapidly after 6 hours and is unable to absorb after 24 hours after birth due to decrease in gut wall permeability. Immunoglobulins when absorbed protect the piglet against diseases. The level of immunoglobulins in colostrums drops rapidly after farrowing and at 12 hours after birth of the first piglet, it is about 35% of the level at the start of farrowing. Decreased colostrums intake can be associated with piglet and sow factors. Parity, genotype, endocrine status, nutrition and heat stress influence sow colostrums yield and composition. The main causes of early piglet mortality are suffocation, chilling, weakness and lack of adequate colostrums intake and may account for about 50% of live-born piglet mortality. The piglet’s respiratory system should be cleared to avoid suffocation, disinfect the cord and provide warmth immediately after farrowing to hasten suckling colostrum. Therefore, it is important to understand the influence of colostrum/milk intake on piglet survival and growth rate.