PORCINE IMMUNOGLOBULIN-FORTIFIED MILK REPLACERS FOR NEWBORN LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT PIGS

Three experiments were carried out to test, under commercial conditions, the artificial rearing of low-birth-weight (< 0.9 kg) pigs from birth, and incorporation of immunoglobulins in the diet to enhance their survival rate. The results confirmed that the provision of dietary immunoglobulin on the first day after birth has a beneficial effect similar to that of colostrum, but that the feeding of immunoglobulins should continue to at least 21 days of age to maximize survival. Key words: Piglet, artificial rearing, immunoglobulin, colibacillosis