Colostrum protein isolate increases gut and whole body growth and plasma IGF-I in neonatal pigs

Abstract

The growth rate of the young pig is generally much less than it's potential and may be constrained by endocrine status as well as nutrient intake. Growth factors are present in relatively high quantities in colostrum and play an important part in gut development. It is possible that supplementation of colostrum protein isolate may stimulate gut and whole body growth in the pig. Eight male and 8 female (Large White×Landrace) piglets were weaned at 1 d of age after each pig had obtained colostrum from their dam, and were trained to consume one of two liquid diets. The two diets were based on either a colostrum protein isolate (n = 4 males and 4 females) or whey protein concentrate (n = 4 males..