Importance of Breed, Parity and Sow Colostrum Components on Litter Performance and Health

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Colostrum quality and quantity can influence the growth, health, and survival of sow offspring, and can therefore influence sow productive performance. Colostrum quality can be affected by a multitude of factors; of these, the breed of the sows and its parity were investigated in the present study. The aim of the study was to identify the influence of sow breed and parity on colostrum components and to associate these with the survival, growth, and occurrence of diarrhoea of their litters. The results revealed that a more robust breed, such as Duroc, could have more colostral immunoglobulins (Igs) than the Large White and Landrace breeds. Gilts are characterised by a higher fat % and number of somatic cells (SCs), which are positively correlated to each other. Piglet survivability until weaning can increase with an increased quantity of IgA and SCs in the colostrum; piglet diarrhoea can decrease with an increased quantity of IgA. Increasing knowledge regarding swine colostrum composition and its relation to litter performance can help in designing new intervention strategies to improve the welfare and economic sustainability of pig rearing systems. ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of breed and parity on colostrum components, and to associate sow breed, parity, and colostrum components with survival, growth, and the occurrence of diarrhoea of their litters. In Experiment 1, 64 sows (Duroc = 13; Landrace = 17 and Large White = 34) were included. In Experiment 2, 71 sows with different parities (1 = 10; 2 = 16; 3 = 13; 4 = 12; ≥5 = 20) were included. The number (N) of live piglets, litter body weight (Experiment 1), and the occurrence of diarrhoea (Experiment 1) were recorded at farrowing, at 2–3 days of age, and at weaning. Colostrum was analysed for proximate composition, immunoglobulins (Igs), and somatic cell count (SCC). Stepwise regressions and ANOVA models were used to associate breed, parity, and colostrum components with litter performance. The Duroc breed had the highest IgG and IgA (p < 0.005). Gilts had a higher fat% and SCC (p< 0.0001); these compounds were positively correlated (r = 0.45). Increased IgA tended to increase the N of weaned piglets (p = 0.058) and reduce litter diarrhoea (p = 0.021). The SCC increased the N of weaned piglets (p = 0.031). Overall, this study confirmed that breed and parity can influence the colostrum composition and highlighted the key role of Igs and somatic cells in piglet health.