Foetal piglets do not obtain immunoglobulins during pregnancy and rely on colostrum immunoglobulins until active immunity develops. The amount of immunoglobulin that piglets obtain depends upon: colostrum immunoglobulin concentration; quantities of colostrum ingested and when closure occurs. Closure describes the change that takes place between 12-36h of life, when the piglet gut can no longer absorb immunoglobulins. A series of studies were undertaken to examine colostrum IgG concentrations and IgG acquisition by piglets. The first two trials demonstrated that IgG concentration between sows and piglet IgG intake was very variable. Piglet plasma IgG concentrations were remarkably consistent however, suggested that piglets were regulating IgG uptake. The third trial reduced piglet IgG intakes by delaying suckling. Results showed that piglets with reduced IgG intakes had reduced plasma IgG concentrations and could not compensate for lowered IgG intake. The results suggested that piglets regulated IgG uptake when IgG was in excess, but had only limited ability to regulate IgG uptake when IgG supply was limited. The fourth trial set out to examine the effects of maternal diet and vaccination on piglet IgG acquisition. A 2x2 factorial design, sows were fed diets either with vitamins A, C and E at recommended amounts or 3-5 times recommended amounts and either vaccinated or not. Results showed that maternal vaccination or diet did not affect maternal plasma IgG concentration or colostrum IgG concentration. Supplementing maternal diet with vitamins significantly increased piglet plasma IgG concentrations, as did maternal vaccination. Of ingested IgG, approximately 0.6-0.7 appeared in piglet plasma. It was possible to influence piglet plasma IgG concentrations by manipulating maternal diet and immune status. With increasing pressure on the use of antibiotics in agriculture and increasing animal welfare/health demands, the effects of other macro and micronutrients on piglet IgG status need to be investigated.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2010. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.98-114).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-184). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-184). Also available on the Internet.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1979 M67 / Master of Science

Four experiments were conducted to determine a management strategy for providing effective electrolyte concentrations in the drinking water of newly weaned piglets to encourage early fluid and feed intake [weaning age=19±1 d, n=360]. In Exp. 1, electrolytes (Vetoquinol, QC, Canada) were provided at the label dose of 60 ml/L of water for 0, 6, 12, 18 or 24 h on d1-d3. In Exp. 2, electrolytes were given ad lib at 100, 75, 50, 25 or 12.5 % of the label dose on d1-d3 (72 h). In Exp. 3, electrolytes, at the label dose, or water (control) were given ad lib on d1, d1 and d2, d1-d3, or d1 and d3. In Exp. 4, based on the results of the previous experiments, the most effective combinations of "hours/concentration/days"(12 h of 25 % or 50 % on d1 or alternate days) were tested. All piglets had water ad lib from d4-d14. In Exp. 1, higher feed disappearance was observed in the 0, 6 and 12 h/d than 18 h/d and 24 h/d electrolyte groups (P<0.05). In Exp. 2, by d14 piglets in the 12.5, 50, 75, and 100 % groups experienced lower weight gain and daily FI than those in the 25 % group (P<0.05). In Exp. 3, piglets that received electrolytes on d1 only had comparable FI to those in the water group (respectively; 64.55 g/pig/day vs. 75.59 g/pig/day; SEM=8.61). Overall, evidence indicated that weanlings tended to benefit from electrolyte administration at 25 % of the label dose and durational period of ≤ 12 h/d. However, in Exp. 4 testing neither 25 % or 50 % concentration for 12 h/d result in improved daily FI despite the increased FLI in groups given electrolytes on alternate days. The results suggest that high electrolyte intake occurred at the expense of feed intake.

Four experiments were conducted to determine a management strategy for providing effective electrolyte concentrations in the drinking water of newly weaned piglets to encourage early fluid and feed intake [weaning age=19±1 d, n=360]. In Exp. 1, electrolytes (Vetoquinol, QC, Canada) were provided at the label dose of 60 ml/L of water for 0, 6, 12, 18 or 24 h on d1-d3. In Exp. 2, electrolytes were given ad lib at 100, 75, 50, 25 or 12.5 % of the label dose on d1-d3 (72 h). In Exp. 3, electrolytes, at the label dose, or water (control) were given ad lib on d1, d1 and d2, d1-d3, or d1 and d3. In Exp. 4, based on the results of the previous experiments, the most effective combinations of "hours/concentration/days"(12 h of 25 % or 50 % on d1 or alternate days) were tested. All piglets had water ad lib from d4-d14. In Exp. 1, higher feed disappearance was observed in the 0, 6 and 12 h/d than 18 h/d and 24 h/d electrolyte groups (P<0.05). In Exp. 2, by d14 piglets in the 12.5, 50, 75, and 100 % groups experienced lower weight gain and daily FI than those in the 25 % group (P<0.05). In Exp. 3, piglets that received electrolytes on d1 only had comparable FI to those in the water group (respectively; 64.55 g/pig/day vs. 75.59 g/pig/day; SEM=8.61). Overall, evidence indicated that weanlings tended to benefit from electrolyte administration at 25 % of the label dose and durational period of ≤ 12 h/d. However, in Exp. 4 testing neither 25 % or 50 % concentration for 12 h/d result in improved daily FI despite the increased FLI in groups given electrolytes on alternate days. The results suggest that high electrolyte intake occurred at the expense of feed intake.

No description available.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1979 N64 / Master of Science