Boosting piglet immunity with colostrum

Colostrum is not only the main source of energy for piglets, but it also provides passive immunity.

Enriched colostrum provides piglets with an immune-boost from their first day of life. | Settharach Markmee

The consumption of colostrum by piglets is crucial to their survival during the lactation period, from the moment they are born until they are weaned. The animal’s survival chances during this critical period are hindered by inadequate colostrum production by the sow or due to its insufficient consumption by the piglet. Colostrum is not only the main source of energy, but crucially, it also provides passive immunity to piglets that are only partially immunocompetent at birth.

Traditionally, the efficiency of the immune system has been evaluated by veterinarians rather than by nutritionists. Nevertheless, recent publications identifying dietary ingredients that modulate immune functions have revealed new perspectives for nutritional strategies.

Piglets are partially immunocompetent at birth

Piglets are partially immunocompetent from the moment they are born, more specifically from day 70 of gestation. But the piglet immune system is still immature and not yet fully developed at birth. Therefore, complete protection is ensured by exposing piglets after birth to high levels of pathogens, forcing their immune systems to rapidly mature, in addition to the passive transfer of maternal antibodies through the colostrum. This transmission of maternal antibodies is crucial, as the type of placenta in sows (epitheliochorial) doesn't allow the transfer of immunoglobulins. Nevertheless, piglets already have antibodies in their bloodstream at birth, which they generate after encountering antigens during the final month of gestation.

Enriched colostrum provides piglets with an immune-boost from their first day of life.

However, these antibodies are not enough to adequately protect it after birth. This has led to a range of different vaccination strategies for sows in order to boost the generation and transmission of antibodies via the colostrum, which is consumed by piglets after birth. The piglet is highly dependent on the colostrum for protection, and piglets that die right after birth have a lower serum level of antibodies.

Colostrum: the richest source of immunoglobulins for piglets

The level of immunoglobulins in the colostrum is 60 times higher than in milk. About 65 to 90 percent of these immunoglobulins consist of the IgG type, which provides systemic protection. During lactation, IgG immunoglobulins are progressively replaced by IgA, which function to protect the intestinal mucus of the piglet.

Given the numerous factors influencing the generation and assimilation of colostrum, commercial swine producers have implemented a series of strategies. One such strategy is immune-adaptation. This is achieved by the controlled exposure of sows during gestation, training the sow’s immune system to recognize the antigens and respond by producing antibodies, which can then be transferred to piglets via the colostrum. Vaccinations are given to first-time mothers to acclimatize them to the bio-system of the farm. Further vaccinations are employed during gestation to stimulate antibody generation that will be passed on to the piglet through colostrum. 

Sow vaccination: providing maximum protection

The main vaccination programs depend on the type of pathogen and the capacity of the antibody generated to reach the target tissue of the piglet, where the pathogen is active. Therefore, depending on the situation, sows may require a double or triple vaccination, and the piglets will also need to be vaccinated.

However, the ultimate objective is clear: increasing plasma antibodies in the sow and transmitting them to the colostrum. The level of antibodies in the piglet is proportional to the level in the colostrum, and is directly related to it. This is the only way to maximize the protection of the animal against pathogens.

Boosting the immune system through nutrition

Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of low-dose phytonutrient supplementation to modulate the immune system in several different animal species. Among the most promising phytonutrients identified are curcumin and chili pepper oleoresin, which exert a synergistic effect when used in combination. Curcumin, found in turmeric oleoresin, is known to enhance and accelerate antigen recognition by the host and antibody generation. However, curcumin supplementation is associated with low bioavailability, which can be overcome with capsaicin, in the form of chili pepper oleoresin. In addition to increasing the bioavailability of curcumin, capsaicin is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

This led to the evaluation of a feed additive consisting of turmeric and chili pepper oleoresins in feed, as an adjunct to vaccination programs in gestating sows, to determine the effects on antibody production in sows and consequently, on piglet immunity and survival at weaning. 

The trial was carried out in two groups of gestating sows receiving the colibacillosis vaccination. One group of sows was fed a diet supplemented with the additive, while the other group received un-supplemented feed (control). The positive effects of the supplementation were first observed in the treatment group as an increase in the percentage of piglets born alive (+1.9 percent). Furthermore, the colostrum in sows fed phytogenic compounds was found to have a higher content of total proteins, which consisted of both increased levels of albumin and the sum of globulins, reflecting a higher amount of antibody production. Piglets born from supplemented sows received a better quality of colostrum during their first days of life, and consequently encountered lower mortality rates during the suckling period. This effect was particularly noticeable in sows following their first two parities.

Immunity and performance: colostrum at the crossroads

Nutritional strategies to provide newborn piglets with maximum protection against pathogens include supplementing with specific phytonutrients to boost the generation of serum antibodies in gestating sows. The resulting enriched colostrum provides piglets with an immune-boost from their first day of life, guaranteeing a smooth transition to their next productive phase.