High levels of vitamins to gestating sows to improve the transfer of vaccine-specific immunoglobulins against E.coli to piglets

The objective of this project is to evaluate the effect of feeding high levels of vitamins to gestating sows on their immune response to vaccination against E. coli, on the transfer of maternal immunoglobulins to piglets and piglets immune response against E. coli, on the metabolism of vitamins during gestation and on sows reproductive performance and their respective litter’s growth and health. A total of 60 gestating gilts/sows will be supplemented with levels of dietary vitamins greater than the current industry levels during two consecutive reproductive cycles. Blood and colostrum samples of all gilts/sows will be collected, and blood samples will be collected in piglets from the respective litters to assess the effects of the maternal dietary vitamins supplementation on the piglets’ immune response against E. coli. The reproductive performance of all gilts/sows will be evaluated as well as the growth performance and health status of their respective litters during lactation and nursey.

Faculty Supervisor:

Frédéric Guay;Marie-Pierre Létourneau-Montminy

Student:

Partner:

Centre de développement du porc du Québec

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program: