Colostrum

Composition

Colostrum

Milk

IgA

30%

70%

IgM

10%

0%

IgG

60%

30%

Colostrum deprivation causes serious losses in growth performance later in a pig's life through disease susceptibility and poor growth rates. The producer must ensure adequate colostrum intake.

Adequate colostrum intake can be assured by providing adequate environment, assisting in farrowing, cross-fostering, and timely sow vaccination.

Colostrum Requirements:

Minimum: 40ml within first 5-7 hrs of life

Nutrition: 250 grms within the first 24 hrs of life

Duration of Protection: 3 weeks

Causes of Colostrum Deprivation

Quality Limitations

Quantity Limitations
  • Exposure of sow to important pathogens was limited.
  • Gilts produce less colostrum. (Lower parity)
  • Gilts have lower antibody concentrations in colostrum.
  • May leak colostrum prior to farrowing
  • Poor mothering ability limits suckling
  • Poor udder/teat conformation
  • Large litters increase competition for available colostrum
  • Ill health due to malnutrition or disease linits production
  • Weak, chilled pigs unwilling to suckle
  • Poor farrowing crate design limits access

Copyright ©1997 by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Faculty: Dr. Paul Pitcher
Student: Sandra Springer,'99