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Immunoglobulin G, A and M and Antibody Response in Sow-Reared and Artificially-Reared Pigs

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blackburg, 24061

Abstract

Two trials utilizing 99 crossbred pigs from sows farrowing at similar times were conducted to compare the development of humoral immunity when pigs were artificially-reared in a mechanical feeder vs conventionally-reared on the sow. Newborn pigs within each litter were allowed 12 hr of colostral nursing before assignment to the rearing systems. Blood was sampled and body weights were recorded at 12 hr and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days. Pigs from both rearing systems were weaned at 20 days of age and moved to a nursery with flat deck cages. Rearing system did not significantly affect the overall average daily gain of pigs at the end of the 30-day study but artificial rearing depressed (P<.05) average daily gain during the first 10 days.

An antibody response was apparent 10 days after an intraperitoneal injection of a 10% sheep red blood cell suspension or a Salmonella antigen (1.8 x 10¹⁰ organisms/ml) at 15 days of age for both rearing systems. Antibody titers 10 days after injection were lower (P<.05) when the pigs were artificially-reared.

After 12 hr of colostral nursing serum IgG, IgA and IgM levels were 12.45, 4.45 and 2.50 mg/ml, respectively. Rearing system had no effect on IgG levels which continued to decline over the 30-day study to levels of 2.56 and 2.93 mg/ml for sow- and artificially-reared pigs. IgA levels decreased to a minimum at about 15 days of age for both rearing systems to .10 and .24 mg/ml for sow- and artificially-reared pigs. At 30 days of age the levels had increased to .25 and .38 mg/milliters. IgM levels increased after a minimum at 10 days of age for both rearing systems (.72 and .76 mg/ml) but sow-reared pigs had higher (P<.01) levels at 30 days of age (1.43 vs 1.26 mg/ml). The artificial rearing of 12 hr-weaned pigs resulted in a slightly reduced antibody response and lower serum IgM but not IgG and IgA.

¹ Present address: Domestic Feed Research Division, Central Soya Co., Inc., Decatur IN 46733.

² Appreciation is expressed to the Virginia Pork Industry Commission for partial financial support of laboratory equipment and supplies.