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

Abstract

It is important to understand the biological factors influencing the poorer lifetime performance of gilt progeny in comparison to sow progeny and determine whether this may be partially due to differences in lactation performance between primiparous and multiparous sows. It was hypothesized that primiparous sows would have lower levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in colostrum and milk compared to multiparous sows, and lower levels of other energetic components. Differences in colostrum and milk composition between ten primiparous and ten multiparous sows (parities 3 and 4) from a commercial herd were examined throughout lactation (day 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21). Overall, there were no (p ≥ 0.05) parity differences in total IgG, fat, protein, lactose, and net energy (NE) concentrations. Primiparous sows had higher lactose levels at day 2 (parity by timepoint interaction; p = 0.036) and lower NE at day 3 (p = 0.091), and multiparous sows had higher lactose levels at days 14 and 21. Results suggest that shortcomings of gilt progeny are unlikely due to insufficient nutrient levels in colostrum and milk, and more likely to reduced colostrum and milk intake and their capacity to digest and absorb each component.

Effect of Parity on Reproductive Performance and Composition of Sow Colostrum during First 24 h Postpartum

“…The current study found no parity differences in terms of total protein, which is largely consistent with the findings of other authors [ 28 , 29 , 30 ], who all found that protein levels were independent of sow parity. On the other hand, total NFS in colostrum was affected by parity as a result of the values obtained for lactose.…”

Investigation of the Defatted Colostrum 1H-NMR Metabolomics Profile of Gilts and Multiparous Sows and Its Relationship with Litter Performance

“…Lactose quantity is generally considered stable in colostrum and milk. Previous studies did not detect differences in lactose amount among different parities [11,31]. In the present study, the amount of lactose was lower in the fourth-parity sows compared to gilts, which is consistent with a previous report in mature milk [11].…”

“…Previous studies did not detect differences in lactose amount among different parities [11,31]. In the present study, the amount of lactose was lower in the fourth-parity sows compared to gilts, which is consistent with a previous report in mature milk [11]. Lactose is generally associated with the total amount of produced and suckled milk, as it is the principal osmotic compound in the mammary secretions [32] and its synthesis by mammary epithelial cells is known to be stimulated by prolactin and inhibited by progesterone.…”

“…The effect of parity number on swine colostrum composition was mainly investigated in terms of immunoglobulin, fat, protein, lactose, and net energy concentrations [11,12]. Recently, the development of new technological tools allowed the description of the colostrum and milk metabolomics profile, defined as the comprehensive characterization and quantification of metabolites, which may have a bioactive and beneficial effect on the neonates [13,14].…”

Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Transcriptional Profiles of Porcine Colostrum and Mature Milk Across Multiple Parities

“…Progeny born to multiparous sows generally exhibit superior growth performance compared to those born to primiparous sows. However, colostrum and milk composition pro les, are highly similar across parities [6].…”