The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals Vol. 54; no. S3; pp. 12 - 21
• Main Authors: Oliviero, Claudio, Junnikkala, Sami, Peltoniemi, Olli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2019
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Newborn - immunology; Birth Weight; birthweight; Colostrum; duration of farrowing; farrowing; Female; Immune system; immunoglobulins; intrauterine growth retardation; Lactation; Lactation - immunology; Litter size; Litter Size - immunology; Parturition; Parturition - physiology; pig; piglets; Pregnancy; Pregnancy - immunology; Swine - growth & development; Swine - immunology; birthweight; intrauterine growth retardation; immunoglobulins; colostrum; duration of farrowing; pig
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.13463

The use of hyperprolific sow lines has increased litter size considerably in the last three decades. Nowadays, in some countries litters can reach up to 18–20 piglets being a major challenge for the sow's physiology during pregnancy, parturition and lactation. The increased number of piglets born per litter prolongs sensibly the duration of farrowing, decreases the piglets’ average weight at birth and their vitality, increases the competition for colostrum intake and can affect negatively piglets’ survival. This review aims to describe how large litters can affect the immune system of the sow and the piglets and proposes measures to improve this condition.