Colostrum Intake and Thermoregulation in the Neonatal Pig in Relation to Environmental Temperature

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Abstract
Colostrum consumption and rectal temperature (RT) have been measured on piglets kept at 18–20 °C (CG = cold group) and at 30–32 °C (WG = warm group) during the first day of life. At an ambient temperature of 18–20 °C, piglets consumed 36.8% less (p < 0.01) colostrum than their littermates at 30–32 °C. There was a positive correlation between birth weight and colostrum intake in both groups of piglets. From birth weight and weight gain measurements, colostrum intake could be accurately predicted (R2 = 0.75). RT of piglets significantly dropped after birth and subsequently rose, the extent of the initial fall and the rate of the subsequent rise depended on the environmental temperature. RT of CG remained significantly lower than that of WG, and a further significant decrease was found from 15 h after birth in CG. At 18–20 °C, a progressive decline of the effect of birth weight and a concomitant increase in the effect of colostrum intake on RT was found, whereas in WG, RT was influenced by neither birth weight nor colostrum intake. 5 of the 39 CG died within 3 days after birth, while all 41 WG survived. Results provide evidence for cold stress as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal pigs.

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