Bovine colostrum as a natural growth promoter for newly weaned piglets: a review

The aim of this review is to present the potential of bovine colostrum as growth promoter in piglet-weaner diet. The consequences of weaning on the growth performance, on the gastro-intestinal tract and on the metabolic and endocrine systems of the piglet are described in the first part of this review. The second part is dedicated to bovine colostrum, with a description of the actions due to its main growth promoters and antimicrobial factors. Finally, the reported effects of colostrum specific components or colostrum fractions on the growth performance and on the structure and function of the gastro-intestinal tract of piglets in the early postweaning period are presented. They show clearly the potential of bovine colostrum to reduce the growth-check related to the weaning of the piglet.