Weaning is one of the most demanding and stressful stages in a piglet's life, but we can support them by enhancing their resilience. Piglets are often weaned earlier than they would be naturally, making this process the most stressful event they experience. This early weaning prompts anatomical and physiological changes in the intestines, reducing resistance to common post-weaning pathogens. By implementing management practices and interventions, such as vaccines and new tools like algae beta-glucan, which has been shown to have immune-modulating effects, we can help improve piglets' responses to challenges and vaccinations.
A piglet is separated from its mother at a younger age than would naturally occur, as it typically stays with the sow until about three months old. This presents significant challenges for the young piglet: it no longer has its mother to call for feeding, is introduced to a different diet, moved to a new environment with potentially less controlled conditions and reduced heat sources (sow), and must also navigate establishing a new pecking order and rights in its post-weaning setting.
This reduction in feed intake, along with a new diet and abrupt shifts in maternal immunity, causes structural and physiological changes in the intestine. These changes affect the integrity of tight junctions, compromising epithelial resistance to pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella that exploit such conditions. With the phasing out of prophylactic and metaphylactic antimicrobial use, alternative strategies are being actively sought.
To ensure a smooth transition for piglets without relying on high doses of ZnO or antibiotics, we need a comprehensive strategy to enhance the resilience of the piglets and reduce environmental challenges. Key measures include adequate cleaning and disinfection, vaccination programs, biosecurity, and ensuring optimal feeding and nutrient availability with proper consideration of protein sources, protein levels, and fiber.
When pigs are housed in suboptimal conditions, they experience increased stress. Vaccinations and new technologies, such as β-(1.3)-glucan, have been shown to improve the resistance and resilience of the animals. Specifically, an algae-derived beta-glucan has demonstrated immune-modulating effects. Once ingested by the piglets, immune cells including macrophages and dendritic cells become more active in engulfing, killing, and digesting pathogens, while initiating a signaling cascade that attracts and activates other immune cells.
Algae β-glucan modulates the production of cytokines and chemokines, impacting IL-6 (both a pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine), IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine), and IL-18 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine). This results in a balanced immune response that activates without overstimulating the immune system, thereby preventing inflammation. Additionally, administration of algae β-(1.3)-glucan to piglets significantly (p < 0.05) increases IgA levels, which enhances protection of the intestinal wall by acting as the first barrier against the adhesion and invasion of pathogenic microorganisms to the mucosa.
Achieving successful weaning necessitates a comprehensive strategy. For effective weaning of piglets now and in the future, it is paramount to focus on fostering a stronger immune system and addressing all factors that affect the piglets.
