Invited review: Piglet survival: benefits of the immunocompetence

Abstract

Piglet mortality has a negative impact on animal welfare and public acceptance. Moreover, the number of weaned piglets per sow mainly determines the profitability of piglet production. Increased litter sizes are associated with lower birth weights and piglet survival. Decreased survival rates and performance of piglets make the control of diseases and infections within pig production even more crucial. Consequently, selection for immunocompetence becomes an important key aspect within modern breeding programmes. However, the phenotypic recording of immune traits is difficult and expensive to realize within farm routines. Even though immune traits show genetic variability, only few examples exist on their respective suitability within a breeding programme and their relationships to economically important production traits. The analysis of immune traits for an evaluation of immunocompetence to gain a generally improved immune response is promising. Generally, in-depth knowledge of the genetic background of the immune system is needed to gain helpful insights about its possible incorporation into breeding programmes. Possible physiological drawbacks for enhanced immunocompetence must be considered with regards to the allocation theory and possible trade-offs between the immune system and performance. This review aims to discuss the relationships between the immunocompetence of the pig, piglet survival as well as the potential of these traits to be included into a breeding strategy for improved robustness.

Genome-wide associations for immune traits in two maternal pig lines

“…Results of this study indicate overlaps between regions significantly associated with immune relevant phenotypes and QTL for survivability of piglets and growing pigs. A putative relationship is supported by several studies which were summarized in the review of Heuß et al [ 6 ]. In this regard, important results in our study were markers on SSC13 associated with the concentration of IL-12 in LW and markers associated with neutrophils in LR.…”

“…In recent years, heritability of immune relevant traits has been confirmed (e.g., [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 10 , 16 – 20 , 22 , 23 ]). In this regard, the interacting and networking structure of immune traits, and basically the genetic background of health and robustness of animals needs to be refined (e.g., [ 6 , 20 , 36 ]). Therefore, this study identified biological relevant SNPs associated with traits characterising the immunocompetence of piglets.…”

“…Through the last years, the societal importance of health and animal welfare has increased [ 4 ]. The enhancement of immunocompetence is a potential determinant to prevent performance reduction through health impairment [ 5 , 6 ]. In literature, several approaches to influence and improve the porcine immune response and immune system have been discussed (e.g., [ 2 , 7 , 8 ]).…”

The effect of a single, early-life administration of a probiotic on piglet growth performance and faecal microbiota until weaning

“…Pre-weaning mortality is currently considered one of the most important causes of reduced production efficiency and is a welfare issue in swine herds (Heuß et al 2019). According to the literature, there are several factors associated with piglet perinatal death, such as low body weight at birth, litter size and homogeneity, colostrum intake in the first hours of life and the appropriate development of the piglet immune system which plays a fundamental role in their robustness and survivability (Heuß et al 2019;Revilla et al 2019). In fact, it is generally recognised that young piglets have an immature mucosal immune system; it develops in a programmed process (Stokes et al 2004) in which the intestinal microbiota is strongly involved (Stokes 2017) ).…”

Effects of Dietary Modified Bazhen on Reproductive Performance, Immunity, Breast Milk Microbes, and Metabolome Characterization of Sows

“…Normal physiological states of perinatal sow are essential to maintain its production at an optimum level ( Heuß et al, 2019 ). In particular, the amount and quality of milk during late gestation and lactation are found to influence the survival capacities, health, and growth of piglets ( Devillers et al, 2011 ; Ferrari et al, 2014 ).…”