Infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of piglet mortality in the farrowing unit. Due to the epitheliochorial placentation of swine, piglets cannot obtain immunity in the womb. Furthermore, piglets are born with immature immune systems that are unable to mount a response against the infectious challenges they face in the farrowing unit and in the nursery.
Piglets can obtain antibodies from colostrum, through a process called ‘passive immunity transfer’. For this reason, colostrum is vital to reduce piglet mortality. However, smart farmers can also put the odds in their favour by managing sow immunisation, which indirectly improves piglet immunity. Furthermore, farmers can gain another edge against infectious diseases in the farrowing unit by boosting piglets’ innate immunity with supplementation, prophylaxis, and by promoting a healthy gut microbiome.