Review: Colostrum production and intake- functional roles in piglet survival, future reproduction, and the challenge of genetic selection

This review explores the vital role of colostrum in neonatal piglet survival, growth, and development, emphasising the physiological, nutritional, and immunological functions of colostrum. It highlights the challenges posed by genetic selection for larger litters, which often outpace the sow's capacity to produce and deliver adequate colostrum to each piglet. Drawing on extensive experimental data and recent literature, the review examines factors influencing colostrum production and intake, the impact of maternal nutrition on colostrum production, and the long-term effects of colostrum intake on piglet health and reproductive performance. It appears that dietary interventions during late gestation and the transition period have limited impact on a sow's ability to produce colostrum, although targeted nutritional strategies show promise in enhancing piglets' intake of colostrum and colostrum compositions such as fat, amino acids, and immunoglobulins. Future research should integrate genome, transcriptome, metabolome, and microbiome data to develop machine learning models that predict piglet performance based on early colostrum intake, thereby enabling timely interventions to improve their growth and survival during lactation.