Investigation of the impact of oral rennet supplementation on serum globulin concentration in neonatal piglets

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether oral supplementation of piglets with rennet increases immunoglobulin absorption and thereby piglet serum globulin concentrations. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in piglets derived from induced farrowing and non-induced farrowing multiparous (MP) and primiparous (PP) sows were compared. Materials and methods: A total of 20 MP and 20 PP sows were used in this trial, with half of the MP and PP sows induced to farrow using prostaglandin F2α by injection. Each piglet from induced and non-induced MP and PP sows was conveniently assigned to one of three treatment groups: no supplementation, oral supplementation with rennet, or oral supplementation with saline. Rennet and saline treatments were administered to piglets twice during their first 12 hours of life. A blood sample was collected from each piglet 48 to 72 hours post farrowing. Results: Serum globulin concentrations did not differ with rennet supplementation in piglets derived from either induced or non-induced PP or MP sows. Implication: Within the power of this study, oral rennet supplementation does not increase piglet serum globulin concentrations.