Influence of Nursing Intervals on Changes in Serum Proteins (Immunoglobulins) in Neonatal Pigs

Experiments were designed to determine the minimum amount of nursing time that would provide the protection required for rearing piglets artificially with an automatic feeding device. Piglets were farrowed in the presence of an attendant and placed with the sow simultaneously, i.e., each piglet had an equal opportunity for nursing immunoglobulin-rich colostrum. Piglets nursed for intervals varying from 1 to 36 hours. Usually 6 hr. after the completion of their nursing interval, piglets were bled and their serum analyzed for increases in β-γ globulin (immunoglobulin), total serum proteins and trichoroacetic acid precipitable serum protein. These three measurements showed that 1 hr. of nursing opportunity was adequate for producing changes in the piglets immunoglobulins that are consistent with vascular immunity. These changes can be mimicked by gavaging piglets with 40 to 60 ml of sow's colostrum. Piglets denied nursing opportunities for 4 hr. beyond the time their littermates started nursing had lower serum β-γ globulin levels. Thus, piglets should be farrowed in a manner that would allow all piglets equal access to the first colostrum.