Piglets’ immune systems
A substance in oats might boost pigs’ immune systems and help them fight disease.
By stimulating the immune system of newborn pigs, Andrew Van Kessel, research scientist at the animal biotechnology centre at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, hopes to reduce neonatal rates of disease and death, improve growth rate and provide heavier, more uniform weaning weights.
Many substances have been studied for their ability to stimulate the immune system, he said. However, most cannot be used in domestic food animals due to cost, toxicity, undesirable side effects or safety concerns for consumers.
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But recent research has also shown that some nutrient compounds and substances of plant or microbial origin have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
“So we are evaluating the use of beta glucans purified from oats to improve resistance to disease in livestock. Saskatchewan Agriculture’s agriculture development fund is supporting our examination of beta glucans orally administered to newborn pigs to improve disease resistance,” Van Kessel said.
Piglets are born with immature digestive tracts and immune systems. Preweaning protection against disease relies mainly on immunity derived from the colostrum in sow’s milk.
At the same time, however, protective cellular mechanisms are present after birth and they mature as the piglet ages, which improves immune protection.
Van Kessel wants to enhance the development of these cellular mechanisms. His goal is to improve the ability of the piglet to protect itself against infection and so reduce deaths and increase performance. He said preweaning mortality rates for low birthweight piglets (less than one kilogram) range between 25 and 40 percent.
His research has demonstrated that beta glucan administered orally to mice can improve immune activity in that animal.
His project has also demonstrated that oat-derived beta glucan given orally to newborn piglets by stomach tube increased the release from bone marrow of immune cells, which engulf and kill foreign organisms. No negative impact on piglet performance was
observed.
Investigation of the use of oat beta glucan administered orally is continuing, says Van Kessel. Issues include what is the best dose and when it should it be given.
– Saskatchewan Agriculture
