González VD, Cisneros MI, Vega LMA, Morilla GA

Language: English/Spanish
References: 0
Page: 217-221
PDF size: 98.24 Kb.

ABSTRACT

In order to study the pig immune profile during the first ten weeks of age, 14 animals were used. During the suckling period, 0-4 weeks of age, it was shown that the piglets had low counts of leucocytes, including total T lymphocytes (TE), high affinity T lymphocytes (Taa) and Fc receptor positive B cells (Bfc). Their response to intradermal PHA inoculation was poor until the fourth week when all the other parameters were increased. All piglets were weaned at that time. Between the fifth and sixth week of age, both the leucocyte and lymphocyte counts increased, except for Null cells that were reduced. The skin response to PHA was also significantly dimished and only up to the eighth week, all immune parameters reached adult values. These results indicate that the pig immune system gradually matures during the first eight weeks of age until it reaches adult values. The weaning period represents an important disturbance in gradual maturity; therefore, it is advisable to improve animal care during that critical period until the immune system reaches values similar to those present in adult animals.