The role of colostrum and milk production in piglet growth

Efficient colostrum and milk production play an essential role in ensuring piglets survival and growth during the first six weeks of life and piglet long-term performances (Devillers et al., 2011). Lactogenesis in the sow starts as early as day 90 of gestation. Secretory activity of the mammary gland starts slowly and increases especially during the last week of gestation (from day 108). It is therefore normal that colostrum from the mammary glands can be obtained just before partus (Devillers et al., 2007). The vitality of piglets, birth weight and a smooth farrowing process is crucial for the intake of sufficient amounts of colostrum. Effectively suckling the colostrum by the piglets ensures optimal development of the mammary glands, this can maximize colostrum production in the longer term.

Colostrum production

Colostrum production is under the influence of hormones. An important role is played by the hormones prolactin and progesterone. At the end of gestation, the concentration of progesterone decreases and the concentration of prolactin increases. When the concentration changes of these hormones are not optimal, the amount of colostrum produced is lower (Foisnet et al, 2010). The amount of colostrum produced varies greatly from sow to sow. An average sow produces between 3 and 4 kg of colostrum, but individual yields range from 0.5 kg – 8 kg (De Smet & Decaluwé, R., 2015).

Insufficient colostrum production a common challenge

The amount of kg of colostrum produced by the sow is independent of the number of piglets born alive within one litter, as a consequence, the available amount of colostrum for each liveborn piglet decreases as the number of liveborn piglets increases. Statistics show that about 30% of sows do not produce enough colostrum to meet the minimum (180-260 g per kg body weight) requirement of the piglets. Milk production, on the other hand, is influenced by several factors. Milk production is influenced by stimuli originating from suckling piglets and thus depends on litter size and weight. The suckling of milk from the mammary gland by the piglets is the main factor positively affecting milk production. The concentration of prolactin in the blood of the sow when massaging or suckling the udder by the piglets improves milk production (Hurley, 2001). 

It is known that sow breed affects milk yield (Farmer et al., 2001). Milk yield is also affected by parity of the sow, with multiparous sows producing more milk than primiparous sows. The milk yield is greatest in parities 2 to 4 and decreasing thereafter (Quesnel et al., 2015). It takes about 35 minutes before a mammary gland is fully refilled after a suckling. Nursing intervals close to half an hour are important to maintain milk production. A nipple that is not sucked for 36 hours will drop to 50% of its production and a nipple that is not sucked for 72 hours will no longer produce milk. Besides, a nipple that is not sucked will produce less milk during the next lactation (De Smet & Decaluwé, R., 2015). This is very important to consider when using a foster sow.

What is the difference between colostrum and milk?

Colostrum and milk differ in timing of secretion and in composition. Colostrum is the first secretion of the mammary glands which is largely formed before parturition. Colostrum is characterized by high concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) compared with milk, whereas milk is rich in fat and lactose (Decaluwé et al., 2014). In addition, colostrum and milk are rich in various bioactive compounds such as growth factors (EGF, IGF) and enzymes (lipase, amylase), many of these components are important for survival and promote gastro-intestinal development and absorption of nutrients (Mei et al., 2006). Mammary secretions gradually change over time (see image).

Why must a piglet build immunity?

Colostrum differs from mature milk in concentrations of macronutrients and immunoglobulins. It provides the piglet with passive immunity through absorption of immunoglobulins, this is only possible prior to gut closure (24 – 36 hour after birth). Maternal IgG provides systemic immunity while maternal IgA present in both colostrum and milk protects the intestinal mucosa from unfavourable bacteria. Colostrum also contains immune cells (different from immunoglobulins e.g. white blood cells) that play a role in the response to unfavourable bacteria. These are only obtained from colostrum of their own mother, as immune cells from another sow are broken down. This why is is preferred to foster piglets 24 hours (and maximum 48 hours) after birth at the earliest. Unfortunately, this is not always possible in practice.

Where does a piglet get its energy from?

Colostrum is essential for early postnatal survival by providing energy for thermoregulation. The energy requirements of a newborn piglet can be covered up to 60% by glycogen and fat reserves. Thus, at least 40% must be supplied by colostrum. The piglet gets the energy in colostrum and milk from fats and lactose. The piglet does this highly efficiently, 91% of the metabolized energy is converted into net energy (De Smet, S., & Decaluwé, R., 2015).

Clearly, proper colostrum intake is important. The amount of colostrum taken up by a piglet depends on its vitality, its birth weight and the variation of birth weight within one litter (uniformity). Piglets with reduced vitality are less likely to reach a nipple and piglets that were oxygen deprived during birth will only take in half as much colostrum. The target is 250 grams of colostrum per piglet. Since, as a pig farmer, you cannot know how much a piglet drinks, you can improve your chances by focusing on vital piglets and uniform litters. Recent research has shown that colostrum intake also has a long-term effect on piglet mortality and growth, both in the farrowing house and in flat deck, as well as on growth in fattening (Declercl et al., 2016).

A few points to sum up the importance of vital piglets:

• Faster and higher colostrum intake immediately after birth;
• Better developed immunological protection;
• Lower mortality before weaning;
• Higher weaning weights;
• Faster achieved slaughter weight.

How can AHV help in the pursuit of vital piglets?

Starting with the sow, it is important to keep sows in top condition and give her the extra support she needs before and after farrowing. This increases the chances of a smooth and fast farrowing process. The faster the piglets are born, the lower the chances of oxygen deprivation during the delivery process. The piglets will be more vigorously when born and find their way to the udder quickly. Suction will also be powerful enough to quickly ingest the desired amount of colostrum. Especially for farms that experience challenges during the transition period, e.g., prolonged farrowing, high level of stillbirth and slow start of colostrum production AHV FarrowPREP was developed. AHV FarrowPREP is a well-balanced addition to the transition period and increases the chances of more vital piglets and lower stillborn piglets.

Addressing impaired wellbeing

Farrowing is always intense for a sow. The exhausting farrowing process can make her unwell, leading to a reduced appetite. As a result, she enters a downward spiral. To stop this going downward and keep milk production going, we have AHV Aspi Paste. AHV Aspi Paste promotes well-being and provides relief where needed. Animals feel more comfortable and therefore start moving and eating better. This maintains milk production and piglets do not fall back in growth.

Small or weakened piglets?

As mentioned above, birth weight and variation in birth weight within one litter affects the amount of colostrum and milk taken up by the piglets. Smaller piglets take in less colostrum and milk and do not stimulate the udder sufficiently for maximum production and the udder will even produce less milk during the next lactation. With large litters, it is a challenge to have all piglets of the same size, there will always be some smaller piglets among them. Especially for these unfortunate piglets, we have developed a product to give them extra energy which increases their chances of survival. Applying AHV Piglet Activate gives piglets a kick-start and provides an energy boost. The piglets are more energetic and get to the udder quicker and will drink from the udder with more strength, which has a positive effect on milk production.

All these products can make a difference in piglet vitality and survival. AHV FarrowPREP, AHV Piglet Activate and Aspi Paste are part of the AHV Health Program and its products to support the sow’s transition and for an optimal start to the development of newborn piglets and their survival rate.

Would you like to know more about what AHV can do for your sows and piglets? Please fill in the form below.