In addition to the direct protection from pathogens, it
has been suggested that colostrum is also important for
the development of piglet immune systems. Rooke
et al. (2003) suggested that the volume of colostrum
ingested during the first 24 h of life affects the development
of the ability to produce IgG in piglets around
weaning. They showed a clear correlation of plasma
IgG concentration at weaning with the volume of colostrum
ingested during the first 24 h of life. However, the
role of colostrum on the development of immune systems
in piglets is still not fully elucidated. For example,
the effect of colostrum on mucosal immunity and immune
cell expansion of piglets has not been evaluated
in pigs.
experimental infection of neonatal piglets (Ward et al.
1996). Additionally, Bandrick et al. (2008) reported that
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-specific T cells were transferred
to piglets from vaccinated sows and participated
in the neonatal immune response upon stimulation.