Variation in the absorption of a colostrally secreted marker antibody in piglets

Abstract

1. Sixteen sows were immunised in late pregnancy withSalmonella pullorumantigen. Sows showed marked differences in serum antibody titre at parturition.2. Twelve hours after birth, serum antibody titres in the 173 piglets born to the 16 sows were measured. They were positively related to the serum titres of their mother.3. Marked variation existed in the antibody titres of colostra from different teats and from different sows. No relationship was found between colostral titres and the titres in sow or piglet sera.4. Sow and piglet serum titres were negatively related to piglet and litter weight gain from birth to 7 days of age.5. Those piglets with high serum antibody titres at 12 hr. after birth displayed better growth rates and enjoyed lower mortality than piglets with low antibody titres.