Colostrum production of Alentejano and Large-White × Landrace sows: consumption, passive immunity and mortality of piglets

Colostrum production and composition of 45 Alentejano (AL) and 45 crossed (Large–White × Landrace, LL) sows together with consumption and passive immunization of piglets, were evaluated. Piglets were weighed at birth, 24h, and 21 and 28 days of age. Colostrum was collected, chemically analysed and immunoglobulin G (IgG) determined. On piglets, serum IgG concentrations were determined at 2d and 28d of age. Alentejano piglets consumed 19% less colostrum than LL piglets (267 vs 328 g; p<0.001), but when adjusted for birth weight, the difference between genotypes was not significant (p=0.891). Alentejano sows produced less colostrum (1985±139 g vs 3761±139 g, p<0.001) than LL sows, even after adjustment for litter birth weight. IgG concentrations were higher in AL colostrum at 12 h and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. They were higher in AL than in LL piglets (p=0.025) and higher at 2d than at 28d of age (p<0.001). Mortality rate of piglets until d21 post–farrowing was higher in AL genotype (27% vs 16.1%, p<0.001). In both genotypes main factors influencing piglet mortality were birth weight and colostrum intake (g/kg birth weight). Higher mortality in AL than in LL genotype was attributable to the higher proportion (28.7% vs 11.6%, p<0.001) of light piglets. It is concluded that for similar birth weight, both AL and LL piglets have a similar ability to ingest colostrum and that AL sows are less able to produce colostrum than LL sows. IgG concentrations of colostrum and of piglets serum were higher in AL than in LL genotype

Fifth European Dirofilaria and Angiostrongylus Days (FiEDAD) 2016

Peer reviewe

Colostrum production of Alentejano and Large-White × Landrace sows: consumption, passive immunity and mortality of piglets

Colostrum production and composition of 45 Alentejano (AL) and 45 crossed (Large–White × Landrace, LL) sows together with consumption and passive immunization of piglets, were evaluated. Piglets were weighed at birth, 24h, and 21 and 28 days of age. Colostrum was collected, chemically analysed and immunoglobulin G (IgG) determined. On piglets, serum IgG concentrations were determined at 2d and 28d of age. Alentejano piglets consumed 19% less colostrum than LL piglets (267 vs 328 g; p<0.001), but when adjusted for birth weight, the difference between genotypes was not significant (p=0.891). Alentejano sows produced less colostrum (1985±139 g vs 3761±139 g, p<0.001) than LL sows, even after adjustment for litter birth weight. IgG concentrations were higher in AL colostrum at 12 h and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. They were higher in AL than in LL piglets (p=0.025) and higher at 2d than at 28d of age (p<0.001). Mortality rate of piglets until d21 post–farrowing was higher in AL genotype (27% vs 16.1%, p<0.001). In both genotypes main factors influencing piglet mortality were birth weight and colostrum intake (g/kg birth weight). Higher mortality in AL than in LL genotype was attributable to the higher proportion (28.7% vs 11.6%, p<0.001) of light piglets. It is concluded that for similar birth weight, both AL and LL piglets have a similar ability to ingest colostrum and that AL sows are less able to produce colostrum than LL sows. IgG concentrations of colostrum and of piglets serum were higher in AL than in LL genotype

Growth and conformation changes in the young Lusitano horse: evaluation from birth to one year of age

Nowadays, there is a rising interest in the Lusitano breed as a sport horse. Besides the suggested relationship between growth rate and skeletal development, a better understanding of growing patterns could contribute for an accurate estimation of nutritional requirements in the growing horse. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate growth and development in Lusitano foals, from birth to one year of age, under extensive management conditions in Portugal. Thirty five foals from three stud farms were monthly weighed and withers height (WH), girth (G) and cannon circumference (CC) were measured. Average age at weaning was 7 mo (209±5d). Quadratic models were best fitted to describe the variation of body weight (BW), G, WH and CC. The effect of farm was significant for BW, G, and CC (P<0.0001), suggesting a management influence. Estimated BW at 7 and 12 mo of age in the three groups, varied between 211.1-253.8 kg and 274.6 327.7 kg, respectively, representing 42.2-50.8 % and 54.9-65.5 % of Lusitano mature BW (500kg). ADG until weaning varied between 0.786-0.888 kg/d, decreasing afterwards in the post-weaning period to 0.258-0.493 kg/d. Weight gain between birth and weaning represents 71.5-80.9 % of total weight gain until 12 mo of age. Estimated values for WH, G and CC at 12 mo of age varied between 135.4-140.9 cm, 145.4-157.5 cm and 16.7-19.0 cm, respectively. These results indicate a similar growth pattern to those described in other sport light breeds when submitted to moderate feeding levels, during the first year of life.vo