Abstract
Low birth weight piglets represent an important economic loss for the pig farmer. These piglets show high mortality and morbidity, growth retardation, higher slaughter age, poor meat quality and more stress, which affects animal welfare. This project aims to elucidate the differences between the low and normal birth weight piglet regarding the development and maturation of the immune system, in particular the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). In addition, the effects of early weaning and further raising with formulated milk on the immune system of the piglet, in particular the low birth weight piglet, will be investigated. The applied methodology to achieve the research goals includes morphometry of the GALT, determination of the occurrence and number of M cells, assessment of the in vitro functional immunological capacity, and stimulation of the immune system by means of immunomodulating nutrients. The results of this project can add value to the evidence-based health management of piglets.
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