Components of colostrum

Class of compound/cells	Piglet less than 6 hours		Piglet older than 6 hours
	Piglet on own mother	Piglet on a different mother
Antibodies
IgG	Can absorb for 6 hours after birth	Can absorb for 6 hours after birth	IgG antibodies cannot be absorbed
IgA, IgM	Can help line the gut with protection for many days after farrowing. Produced by the sow for many days after farrowing – in decreasing amounts with time.
White blood cells
Tonsilar	Can absorb the cells which migrate to the appropriate site in the piglet’s body	Cells cannot be absorbed – genetically different	Cells cannot be absorbed
Intestinal