Effect of porcine gammaglobulin colostrum supplement on the performance of light-weight born piglets on a commercial unit

Abstract

Evidence from trials elsewhere has indicated that the porcine gammaglobulin preparation of porcine blood origin (IMMUSURETM Porcine: a trademark of Cambridge Bionutritionals Ltd) was effective in providing passive protection for piglets deprived of colostrum. Passive protection is conferred soon after birth and a piglet which has not sucked would be “at risk”. The light-weight piglet is considered “at risk” as it may not compete effectively for a teat and suckle. Consequently it may have less energy reserves and lower passive protection against disease. The object of the experiment reported here was to assess the effect of porcine gammaglobulin supplement on the performance and survival of light-weight piglets from birth to ten weeks of age on a commercial farm.