Immunoglobulins and Antibodies in Pigs

The minipig as a model in gnotobiology

“…However, the ability to resorb unchanged immunoglobulin molecules through the intestinal mucous membrane decreases aiter ingestion of colostrum, milk or a milk-type diet, and a cessation of the resorption of unaltered large molecules occurs during the first hours of feeding; at least after 48 h, this intestinal closure is fully developed 13, 16, 171. However, it was proved that even after this intestinal closure, an immune serum or colostrum can protect a colostrum-free piglet against the perorally introduced pathogenic strain E. coli 055 [29]. Doubtless, ingested antibodies can act directly in the intestinal content.…”