The influence of the different content of protein fractions in sows’ milk in piglet rearing

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the percentage content of protein fractions in total
protein of sow`s colostrums and milk and their influence on the traits related with piglet rearing. The animal
specimens were 20 sows of the native Złotnicka White breed. Złotnicka pigs were subjected to the National
Genetic Resources Conservation Programme. Colostrum and milk were collected between the 20th and 24th h
after parturition and on the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st day of lactation. A total of 120 samples (60 colostrum
samples and 60 milk samples) were collected from all active mammary glands. Individual fractions of total
protein were separated by means of electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl
sulphate (SDS). The piglets’ body weights average daily gains and mortality were checked consecutively after
24 hours after parturition and on the day 7th, 14th, and 21st of lactation. 207 piglets were examined. A highly
significant correlation between the number of piglets, daily growths and protein fractions was observed. The
most favourable rearing results were obtained at the highest level (III) of individual fractions. The study also
proved most of the piglets are lost from the litters when the level of fractions is the lowest (I).