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Factors Affecting the Ig Content of Sow’s Colostrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Csaba Szabó

    (Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Arth David Sol Valmoria Ortega

    (Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon 8714, Philippines)

  • James Kachungwa Lugata

    (Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35091, Tanzania)

  • Levente Czeglédi

    (Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Brigitta Csernus

    (Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Gabriella Gulyás

    (Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Béla Kovács

    (Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Károly Pál

    (Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Tünde Pusztahelyi

    (Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Rozália Kasza

    (CLA-Pig Ltd., 7563 Somogyszob, Hungary)

  • Gábor Czakó

    (CLA-Pig Ltd., 7563 Somogyszob, Hungary)

  • Márta Horváth

    (Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the productivity of sows has improved tremendously, especially in terms of litter size. Colostral immunoglobulins (Igs) are essential for the early protection of piglets against pathogens. We hypothesized that with the increase in sows’ productivity, the Ig content of colostrum has declined. The research results reviewed confirmed a negative trend in the case of IgG and IgA. The sows’ blood IgG and IgM concentrations decreased from late gestational levels, confirming the transfer from serum (with most of them not synthesized in the mammary gland). This connection was also confirmed by our correlation analyses. Colostrum Ig levels correlate well with the piglets’ blood Ig concentrations, proving the importance of colostral Ig intake. The most effective feed supplements are antioxidants and arginine to improve the Ig content of the blood (about 30 to 70%) and colostrum (about 10 to 70%). Pre- and probiotics and other feed supplements express only a modest (about +10 to 20%) but positive effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Csaba Szabó & Arth David Sol Valmoria Ortega & James Kachungwa Lugata & Levente Czeglédi & Brigitta Csernus & Gabriella Gulyás & Béla Kovács & Károly Pál & Tünde Pusztahelyi & Rozália Kasza & Gábor Cz, 2025. "Factors Affecting the Ig Content of Sow’s Colostrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-36, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:6:p:641-:d:1614551
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