Aim:
To evaluate the influence of bovine colostrum (BC)supplement to weaning diet on growth and sanitary status of piglets bred in an “unclean” environment and in controlled environments

Protocol:
Trial one (310 piglets): after weaning at 28 days of age, piglets fed
formula containing 4% colostrum, 44g/day
Trial two (522 piglets): piglets fed formula of 2% and 4% colostrum, 53g/day (2%) and 33g/day (4%)

Results:

• During first 2 post-weaning weeks, feed intake and growth were higher in BC group, positive effects of the colostrum were also observed during the remaining 5 weeks
• Results show the incorporation of 5-10% colostrum in food increases by 12-25% consumption of piglets during the distribution of food supplemented
• Hindquarter cleanliness tended to be improved by the colostrum treatment on d 9 after weaning
• 4-6% Piglets fed the Col-4d or Col-6d had more normal feces and less liquid
  Feces diet.

Conclusions:
BC improved the sanitary status and food consumption of piglets

Reference
Isabelle Le Huërou-Luron, et al. (2004) Supplementation of weaning diet with bovine colostrum increases feed intake and growth of weaned piglets. Journées Recherche Porcine 36:33-38.