Supplementing Colostrum from Multiparous Sows: Effects on Performance and Health in Piglets from Gilts in Farm Conditions

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Colostrum intake is essential for piglets. Gilt litters may not receive the same quantity and quality of colostrum as the litters from sows do. An extra dose of 30 mL divided into two doses (20 min apart, using a gastric tube) of colostrum from multiparous sows was administered to piglets born from gilts to ascertain its effects on piglets’ performance and health in farm conditions, with a special interest in the smallest piglets (under quartile 1, Q1). Quartiles for birth weight were Q1 = 1.100 kg, Q2 = 1.300 kg, and Q3 = 1.500 kg (n = 401). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets), and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea. Immune response improved among SUP piglets for the diseases evaluated. In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had significant effects on mean weight and ADG in the first days of life. The smallest piglets had a reduced use of antibiotics when supplemented. The time and labour invested in colostrum supplementation could be compensated by the improvement of piglets’ productive parameters and health. ABSTRACT: Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity.