Immunocrit evaluation of piglets and correlation analysis with reproductive parameters of sows

Abstract

Colostrum is the first secretion of the mammary gland after birth, composed of proteins, antibodies and other nutrients essential for the immunity and growth of piglets. Their production is influenced by factors such as the health, nutrition and stress levels of the sows. Piglets are born with an immature immune system and depend on colostrum to obtain competent immunity. This limitation is due to the type of diffuse epitheliochorial placenta of the sows that hinders the transfer of antibodies in the uterus. The window for effective antibody absorption is limited to the first 10 to 15 hours after birth, adequate colostrum intake is vital to reduce mortality and promote healthy development. Various methods, both direct and indirect, are used to measure IgG concentrations and thus evaluate the transfer of passive immunity, highlighting the immunocrit technique. The immunocrit is a quick, simple and economical method to measure protein levels in serum by precipitating it with ammonium sulphate and measuring the relationship between the precipitate and the total volume of the sample. The study aims to evaluate the immunocrit technique to measure passive immunity in piglets and explore the relationship between IgG levels and reproductive parameters. The aim is also to improve the selection of breeding sows based on their ability to transfer immunity to piglets. The study samples were obtained from a pig farm in Gran Canaria, with the participation of 6 sows and 25 piglets. Blood samples were taken from piglets between 12 and 24 hours of age and analysed using the immunocrit technique. The results will discuss the correlation between the immunocrit values and the health parameters of the piglets, taking into account parameters such as: number of births, artificial insemination or natural mating, coat colour (hybrid sow or canary black sow) and weight. of the piglets. The study demonstrates that the immunocrit technique is a reliable method to evaluate passive immunity in piglets, with important implications for improving piglet survival rates and overall farm productivity/reproduction, although probably due to the sample size, statistical significance could not be achieved.