Piglets are born with an immature immune system. Unlike humans, pigs do not pass antibodies from their mothers to their fetuses via the placenta. This means that the piglets are completely dependent on colostrum for passive immunity.

There are studies on the collection of colostrum and the analysis of its content within 24 hours of farrowing in sows⁴. The amount of colostrum is the average value during the collection period. Colostrum was also collected and analysed in the late lactation period. Table 1⁴ summarizes the findings.

Colostrum contains a compound called immunoglobulin (IgG), which is necessary for piglets to acquire passive immunity during lactation⁵. As shown in Table 1⁴, colostrum has significantly higher protein, fat and carbohydrate content than regular milk. Because piglets are born with very low energy reserves and very little body fat, the nutrients contained in colostrum are very important for piglets.

Colostrum is secreted in the largest 12 hours after the start of the farrowing mechanism in the sow, and is significantly reduced between 12 and 24 hours (see Figure 1) and is usually depleted around 40 hours after the birth of the first piglet⁶. In addition, the window period for the production of these immune components coincides with the ability of the piglets to absorb and utilize these components.

For large animals such as pigs, the gut effectively prevents the piglets from absorbing these important immune factors by closing the wider channels needed to absorb macromolecular IgG within 24 hours of birth⁷. In addition, piglets should not be cross-fostered until colostrum intake is confirmed, as they are unable to absorb and utilize other immune components of the foster sow's milk, such as lymphocytes⁸. This highlights the importance of adequate colostrum intake from the mother in the first few hours of life.

Table 1: Composition comparison of colostrum and regular milk

Figure 1: Colostrum immunoglobulin content

Colostrum not only provides the necessary components for piglets to obtain passive immunity, but is also an effective source of energy. Colostrum is rich in high-quality protein and energy sources, and it can be the difference between life and death when a piglet meets its metabolic needs in the first few hours of life.

Newborn piglets have limited energy reserves and low body fat, so the high nutrients in colostrum meet their metabolic needs for thermoregulation and overall survival. Piglets weighing less than 1.0 kg are more likely to develop symptoms of hypoxia at birth and have a reduced intake of colostrum in the first 24 hours⁹. This is mainly due to their small size or weak birth, as they are more likely to miss out on more breastfeeding opportunities and thus lose competitiveness for effective nipples.

In addition, hypothermic piglets and piglets with low survival rates (rectal temperature below 38°C is considered low survival) are less likely to be eating enough colostrum, leading to further reductions in health¹⁰. Thermal imaging studies have shown that piglets that have colostrum have higher body temperatures, which improves their survival rates (see Figure 2)¹⁰.

Figure 2: Thermographic images of body temperature of piglets ingested with colostrum (bottom) and low survival piglets (top) who failed to find teats

Colostrum also contains growth factors¹¹ that aid in the development of the digestive tract. These growth factors and bioactive peptides in colostrum promote intestinal growth, which improves the efficiency of nutrient absorption. This early development lays the foundation for improved feed conversion and growth rates during the nursery and fattening phases. Productivity is affected within the first 24 hours of birth, so it is important for individual piglets to eat enough colostrum.

The ideal amount of colostrum required per piglet is 250 g¹². This intake should be achieved through multiple breastfeeding¹². Due to the previously mentioned "closed" condition of the intestinal wall, colostrum intake should be carried out within the first 12 hours of life of the piglets, or as soon as reasonably possible.

Colostrum intake has a significant impact on piglet health and performance. Timely and adequate intake of colostrum significantly reduces pre-weaning mortality. Piglets that do not consume enough colostrum are more likely to be hungry, weak and infected, leading to increased losses. The intake of colostrum is highly dependent on the piglet's ability to access the teats.

Studies have shown that piglets with less than 200 grams of colostrum at birth have a pre-weaning mortality rate of 43.4%, while piglets with more than 200 grams of colostrum have a mortality rate of only 7.1%¹³. In addition, piglets that die during lactation often exhibit slow growth, weight loss, decreased rectal temperature, increased cortisol levels, and decreased blood IgG and blood glucose levels¹³.

Another study found that for every 100 g increase in the piglet's newborn weight, its individual colostrum intake increased by 28 g². Piglets with lower birth weight require additional management in batch feeding, teat training or cross-boarding to give them an edge over the competition for piglets of the same size. Although some of the events that occur during farrowing are beyond the control of the farmer, many problems can be alleviated by proper intake of colostrum and special care in the first day of piglets' life.

Adequate intake of colostrum has been shown to significantly increase the potential of offspring to become full-value finishers, as colostrum contains a variety of growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), which are essential for the development and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs of the piglet¹⁴. These bioactive ingredients contribute to the overall growth and development of the piglet, laying a solid foundation for its future health and productivity.

Both colostrum intake and birth weight of piglets significantly affect their weight at weaning, growing and fattening¹⁵. One study found that piglets that consumed less than 290 grams of colostrum weighed about 2 kg¹³ less at 42 days compared to piglets of the same age who consumed more than 290 grams. In addition, for littermates, a higher colostrum intake is more beneficial for piglets with lower birth weight, which reduces mortality before weaning and during the nursery phase¹⁵.

Colostrum can also affect the sow's reproductive system and affect the later development of the reproductive tract. For example, the relaxation hormones in colostrum are essential for the development of the uterus in the first few weeks of life in gilts, pregnant sows and their female offspring before estrus¹⁶.

Studies have shown that piglets raised with milk replacers have lower expression of genes related to endometrial growth and slower development of glands within tissues without colostrum supplementation¹⁷. In addition, another study found that low colostrum intake was associated with sows entering heat later and a decrease in the number of piglets born¹⁸.

It is critical to confirm that all piglets have adequate colostrum intake, but this can be challenging. In order to meet these challenges and improve piglet survival, effective colostrum management measures must be implemented. One of the key measures is to ensure that piglets have early and frequent contact with the sows. This can be achieved by encouraging frequent lactation, keeping the piglets close to the udder, and minimizing disturbances.

It is important to recognize that not all piglets in a litter have equal access to the sow's teats. Smaller, weaker or last born piglets may need help to eat colostrum. In this case, especially when there are more piglets than available teats, batch feeding can help. This should be done as soon as possible after delivery, preferably within the first 12 hours. We recommend dividing the piglets into 2 groups:

1. Weak piglets and the last born piglets

2. Larger piglets and first-born piglets

5 rotations of 30 to 45 minutes each during lactation, starting with group 1 of the weaker piglets and the last born. The key point is to keep the non-suckling piglets isolated, dry and warm. In addition, it must be taken into account that premature cross-boarding within 12 hours post-farrowing may affect the piglet's intake of colostrum from its biological mother, which may affect their health and performance later in life.  

Colostrum is essential for the care of newborn piglets, as it provides the piglet with immunity, nutrients and energy to thrive at the beginning of life. By prioritizing colostrum intake through effective management measures, producers can improve piglet survival and growth rates, ultimately improving the overall productivity and profitability of the herd.

Key management strategies include ensuring proper feeding, ensuring up-to-date vaccine immunization, and reducing stress. Making the most of these strategies is key to optimizing the quantity and quality of colostrum in sows. The application of colostrum management strategies during lactation is essential for sustainable and efficient pig production.

In general, adequate intake of colostrum in piglets increases growth rates and reduces the risk of disease infection. In addition, piglets that are future breeding sows are more likely to have better reproductive health, thus contributing to the health and high productivity of the herd.