Physiologie de la production de colostrum chez la truie

Abstract

Colostrum intake is one of the main factors determining piglets' survival. Colostrum provides to piglet energy and immune protection. However, colostrum production is very variable among sows and factors controlling this production have not been yet clearly identified. Colostrum secretion occurs during parturition and may be influenced by hormones which control pregnancy, parturition and lactation initiation. In other species, the major role of prolactin, progesterone and cortisol in lactation initiation has been yet determined. Understanding the origin of colostrum production variability and hence finding management solutions to increase colostrum production and decrease piglet mortality, may be provided by further research on the endocrine and physiological control of colostrum secretion.