0
Dietary inclusion of SDPP increases feed intake and growth in nursery pigs, with the most dramatic effects observed during the first week post-weaning. It was hypothesized that consumption of SDPP by suckling pigs may also enhance performance and increase BW at weaning. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effects of administering an oral gavage of SDPP on pre-weaning growth performance of piglets. Health and welfare status in SDPP-gavaged pigs was also assessed by analyses of blood chemistry and hematology. A total of 80 pigs were randomly placed into two groups based on BW and gender. The pigs from these groups were then randomly assigned to two treatment groups, each containing 40 barrows and 40 gilts. Treatment group one received SDPP (0.375 g/mL) and treatment group two received water as a control. Pigs received 25 mL of their assigned gavage 2x/d for five d prior to weaning. Body weights were recorded on d 1 of treatment and at weaning (30 to 33 d of age). At weaning, blood samples were obtained via jugular veni-puncture, and rectal temperatures were recorded. Blood samples were analyzed to obtain blood chemistry and hematology results.
The initial BW and litter were significant sources of variation for the weaning BW and the BW gain during lactation (P < 0.05). Litter was a significant effect for rectal temperature and several blood chemistry measurements: glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, total protein, albumin, and chloride (P < 0.05). Significant effects of initial BW were detected for glucose, albumin, sodium, and creatine kinase (P < 0.05). There was no significant effect of treatment on any measurement.
In summary, litter of origin plays a role in the development of suckling pigs and weight gain during lactation. Oral gavage of SDPP does not seem to have a significant effect on weight gain during the last five d prior to weaning.
LM Wittish and MJ Estienne. 2012. Effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) administered as an oral gavage on pre-weaning growth performance in piglets. Journal of Animal Science, 89 (E-Suppl. 2): page 3.