Primiparous and Multiparous Sows Have Largely Similar Colostrum and Milk Composition Profiles Throughout Lactation

摘要

Simple summaryProgeny born to primiparous sows (gilt progeny) are born lighter, grow slower, and have higher rates of mortality than piglets born to multiparous sows. An understanding of why this might be the case is necessary to implement management strategies that improve the health and welfare of first-litter piglets and increase their production efficiency. Differences in the composition of colostrum and milk between primiparous and multiparous sows might be a contributing factor. Results from this study suggest that primiparous and multiparous sows (parities 3 and 4) have similar levels of immunoglobulin G and energetic components (net energy, fat, protein, and lactose) in colostrum and milk throughout the course of lactation. However, lower lactose levels from day 14 onwards in milk from primiparous sows compared to milk from multiparous sows may indicate that there is a reduction of lactose uptake into the mammary gland in primiparous sows during late lactation, which may reduce milk volume. Lower growth rates and higher rates of mortality in gilt progeny are therefore likely to be as a result of lower colostrum and milk production in primiparous sows and (or) an inability of their piglets to digest these nutritional components effectively.