Evaluation of Immunoglobulin G Absorption from Goat Colostrum by Newborn Piglets

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Alternatives to sow colostrum are necessary to ensure adequate colostrum intake by piglets born from hyperprolific sows. This study was conducted to evaluate whether piglets can absorb goat immunoglobin G (IgG) and study its effects on piglets. The results showed that piglets absorbed goat IgG with an apparent coefficient of absorption of 20.9%. In addition, the piglets tolerated goat colostrum well, opening up the possibility of developing supplements based on goat colostrum for newborn piglets. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether piglets absorb immunoglobin G (IgG) from goat colostrum and the potential effects of its ingestion on suckling piglets. Thirty-eight piglets with body weights ranging from 1000 to 1700 g were assigned to one of the three experimental treatments: Control group (C), where piglets were allowed to suckle normally, and porcine and goat groups. The piglets from the last two groups were removed from the sows after birth and received an oral 20 mL dose every 3 h of porcine (PC) or goat colostrum (GC), respectively, during first 12 h of life. Then, they were returned to newly farrowing sows to continue suckling until 20 d. The apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG at 12 h was calculated as total serum IgG divided by ingested IgG. No diarrhea or symptoms of intolerance were observed at any time. On day 20, body weight and the number of dead piglets were similar in all three treatments (p > 0.05). At 12 h, the concentration of goat IgG in the serum of piglets fed GC was 8.11 mg/mL. AEA was 20.9% for goat IgG and 26.3% for porcine IgG (p > 0.05). Therefore, goat colostrum seems a promising alternative to study new feed supplements or artificial rearing of newborn piglets.