Sinopsis

Because the prolificacy of sows can now be very high, piglets require special attention to ensure their survival. This book describes the importance of colostrum and its immediate ingestion after farrowing. The energy, immunity, and growth factors contained within make colostrum feeding essential for the optimal development of newborn piglets.

Índice

1. Physiology of colostrum production
Secretion
Composition
Nonimmune protective factors

2. Immunity
Innate immunity
Acquired immunity

3. Immunoglobulins in colostrum
Definition
Isotypes
Amounts
Origins of colostral immunoglobulins
Gut–mammary–secretory IgA axis

4. Transfer of passive immunity
Transfer of immunoglobulins to the mammary gland
Closure of the intestine

5. Function of immunoglobulins in neonates
Immunoglobulins and piglet immunity
Role of immunoglobulins in intestinal protection in the piglet

6. Role of the cellular component of colostrum in piglet immunity
Milk cells
Impact on piglet immunity

7. Vaccination of the sow and piglet immunity
Enteric diseases of piglets
Respiratory diseases of piglets
Other diseases
Negative effects of vaccination of sows

8. Colostrum consumption
Split-nursing
Colostrum bank
Consequences
Conclusions and recommendations

9. Hyperprolificacy
Synchronized farrowing
Temperature of the piglet

10. Feeding of the sow
Factors influencing colostrum production
References