ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2025 45 is associated with a considerable increase in the metabolic rate, contributing to maintaining body temperature. About 70% of the piglets' energy requirement in the first 72 hours is provided by colostrum. Most piglets that die within this period do so primarily due to energy deficiencies rather than immune-related issues. The trend towards larger litter sizes has exacerbated the issue of energy deficiency. CREEP FEEDING The primary role of creep feed is to accelerate the development of the piglets, their digestive and immune systems, and their gut microbiome, not for weight gain. Creep feeding helps evolve digestive enzymes and acid secretion necessary for breaking down complex carbohydrates and proteins. This early feeding supports piglets in adapting to solid diets, mitigating stress during weaning. Creep feeding also helps piglets develop an oral tolerance to avoid transient hypersensitivity due to various dietary ingredients. This process is essential for preventing allergic reactions and hypersensitivity, which can occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as threats. It takes about two weeks for the piglet to recognize an ingredient as a nutrient, not a pathogen. We recommend that creep diets contain a broad range of ingredients at low doses to facilitate this process. This approach gradually exposes piglets to various nutrients, allowing their immune systems to adapt without overwhelming them with high concentrations of any single ingredient. MYCOTOXINS MUST BE MANAGED – EVEN IN PIGLETS The significance of mycotoxins in piglets is often underestimated due to their relatively small feed intake. However, there is substantial evidence that mycotoxins can be transferred from sows to piglets through colostrum and milk, which can have profound health implications. Managing mycotoxins is managing immunity. Mycotoxins are transferrable via the placenta, colostrum, and milk. There is a positive correlation between the mycotoxin levels in feed and colostrum. For example, adverse effects seen in piglets consuming colostrum with low doses of deoxynivalenol (DON) include: • Decreased villus height • Reduced mucosal integrity • Increased inflammation • Alternated immune response The bottom line is that mycotoxins are a real and everyday risk to the immune quality of your piglets. NUTRITION INFLUENCES PIGLETS’ IMMUNE DEVELOPMENT Adequate nutrition is fundamental for developing a strong immune system in pigs, which is the basis for high performance. By focusing on the appropriate nutrition of the sow, ensuring an adequate intake of high-quality colostrum intake in piglets, and implementing creep feeding strategies, producers can significantly enhance the lifetime health and productivity of their piglets from an early age. About Dr. Megan Edwards Dr. Megan Edwards is an Australian animal nutrition consultant with global research and praxis experience and a keen interest in immuno-nutrition and functional nutrients.
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