It is obvious that colostrumis important for direct protection
of suckling piglets against various pathogens
(Wagstrom et al. 2000). On the other hand, it is quite
possible that colostrum affects the development of piglet
immune systems through components contained in it.
In this study, the effect of colostrum ingestion during
the first 24 h of life on the immune status of piglets
around the weaning period was evaluated to infer the
importance of colostrum on early postnatal development
of immune systems in piglets.