Effect of feeding colostrum versus exogenous immunoglobulin G on gastrointestinal structure and enteric nervous system in newborn pigs
Author
Summary, in English
Colostrum is an indispensable source of antibodies (IgG) protecting the newborn pig against infection. We studied the effect of feeding colostrum and purified IgG on early structure and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Newborn littermate pigs were fed either colostrum, an elemental diet (ED), or an ED supplemented with purified serum IgG (ED + IgG) for 24 h or then only ED up to 72 h. Afterwards, pigs were slaughtered. Colostrum-fed pigs or ED supplemented with IgG (ED + IgG) increased thickness (P < 0.001) of stomach mucosa and muscularis (P < 0.05) compared to the ED group not receiving IgG. Feeding an ED supplemented with IgG improved morphology of the GIT towards that of colostrum-fed piglets and indicates a beneficial effect of IgG on GIT development in neonatal pigs. Immunohistochemical studies indicate that ED feeding may influence the expression of nitric oxide synthase in jejunal myenteric (but not submucous) neurons of newborn pigs.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Pages
327-329
Publication/Series
Journal of Animal Science
Volume
90
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Topic
- Zoology
Keywords
- immunoglobulin G
- elementary diet
- colostrum
- gut development
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1525-3163