Piglet Factors That Affect Colostrum Intake and Nursing Pig Outcomes, By Marie Blais from Southwest Ontario Veterinary Service

Mar 11, 2024

The newborn piglet is very dependent on adequate colostrum intake (CI) as a source of passive immunity including antibodies and white blood cells. Colostrum is also an important source of nutrition that helps to maintain body temperature. The amount of CI can differ between piglets within the litters of hyperprolific sows. These Danish researchers wanted to study the impact of individual piglet characteristics such as birth weight, birth order and neonatal asphyxia (measured via blood lactate) at birth on CI. They wanted to further determine the relationship between the CI and the passive immunity transfer (IgA IgG, IgM) and the growth performance of piglets prior to weaning. The study was carried out on twenty-four Danbred sows of the second-parity and their progeny (n = 460) were used. Piglet weight gain and the duration of colostrum suckling of the piglets was also assessed.

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Video: Why Swine Field Research Matters - Dr. Stephen Frazer

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Stephen Frazer, swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, explains how field research connects university science with real commercial swine production. He discusses research design, economic impact, external validity, health challenges, and practical implementation on farms. Dr. Frazer also shares how applied research helps producers stay competitive with modern genetics and production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Field research applies rigorous scientific methods within commercial production systems while focusing on practical economic outcomes that directly affect modern swine operations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Frazer / stephen-frazer-5769b7141 completed both a Master of Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Université de Montréal. Currently working as a swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, Dr. Frazer focuses on applied field research, production health, and practical strategies that improve commercial swine operations. Learn more about field research and swine production by listening to Dr. Stephen Frazer on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.