Effect of cow colostrum on the performance and survival rate of local newborn piglets in Benin Republic

Abstract

The effect of bovine colostrum, including its thermally labile compounds, on the survival and growth performance of local breed piglets reared by their mother, in Benin, was evaluated over a 49-day trial. Three groups of 16 piglets, stemming from two primiparous sows belonging to a unique traditional farm, were respectively fed for the first 48 h of life with either bovine colostrum heated to 85 °C for 30 min, or thawed bovine colostrum, or colostrum from the mother. Thereafter, the animals that received bovine colostrum turned back to their mother. At day 21, almost all piglets from the group that received heated colostrum died. The highest total weight gain was obtained in the group that received thawed bovine colostrum (P ˂ 0.01), followed by the group left with the mother. Corresponding average daily gains (ADGs) were 56, 34 and 2 g/day, respectively (P ˂ 0.05). At the end of the trial, the treatment effect was highly significant on the survival of piglets (100% in the thawed colostrum group vs. 00 and 50%, respectively, in the heated colostrum group and in the group left with the mother). At day 49, numerically higher weight and ADGs were obtained in the group that received thawed cow colostrum. Thawed bovine colostrum improved the growth performance and piglet survival in the local pig breed in Benin, probably owing to thermally labile components. Bovine colostrum may be used in our farms in order to reduce pre-weaning mortality, improve the profitability of livestock farmers, and ensure survival of traditional farms. The use of bovine colostrum on farms could be facilitated by collaboration between pig farmers and bovine farmers. It could also be facilitated by the creation of a colostrum bank.

The nurse sow system ‒ A natural process of handling large litters: A review

“…At the time of farrowing, when numerous piglets are born, it is crucial to place them on functional teats so that they can acquire individual teats and suckle, which is vital for survival. Colostrum intake and uptake, which provide piglet nutrition, passive immunity, and energy needed postpartum, determine the survival of piglets (Le Dividich et al 2005;Devillers et al 2007;2011;Cabrera et al 2012;Decaluwe et al 2014;Declerck et al 2016;Agbokounou et al 2017). The amount of immunoglobulins in colostrum has been found to dramatically decrease within the initial 24 h (Klobasa et al 1981), hence, to ensure survival, it is crucial that all piglets suckle colostrum before being fostered.…”

Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health

“…When whey protein concentrates are severely heated (80–85 °C, 20–30 min), a reduction in gut-protective effects is observed [ 279 , 280 ]. In contrast, raw, frozen, and mildly heat-treated BC may retain its bioactivity to protect against gut disorders and inflammation, as demonstrated in newborn term pigs [ 144 , 224 , 283 , 284 ].…”

Effect of Azawak Cattle Colostrum Supplementation on Performance and Survival of Red Goats During the First Year of Life.

“…In addition, health has a favourable effect on production, but it is often lacking in our herds. Young udders are the most affected (Voisin, 2005;Agbokounou et al, 2017;Agbokounou et al, 2018). It is therefore necessary to provide protection to enable young kids to cope with these environmental constraints.…”