The Effect of Dam Parity on Progeny Growth Performance, Passive Immunity, and Gastrointestinal Microbiota

Previous research has shown that parity (P) 4 progeny have greater weaning weights and decreased microbial diversity. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate litter performance, passive immunity, and fecal microbiota among P1 (n = 56) and P3 (n = 49) dams and their progeny. Blood samples were collected from P1 and P3 dams on d 90 and 114 of gestation and d 0 of lactation and from their progeny (n = 4 pigs/litter) on d 0, 7, and 14 of lactation. Colostrum/milk samples were collected from dams on d 0, 7, and 14 of lactation. Fecal samples were collected from dams (d 7) and their progeny (n = 4 pigs/litter; d 0, 7, and 14 of lactation). Serum and milk samples were analyzed for immunoglobulin (Ig; G and A) concentrations via ELISA. Microbial fingerprinting of fecal samples from dams and progeny were performed via DGGE. No differences were observed between parities in total born, live born, mummies, deaths, or total weaned. A greater number of stillborns (P < 0.013) were observed for P3 dams compared to P1 dams (1.0 and 0.5 Pigs, respectively). Progeny BW was increased for P3 litters on d 0, 7, 14, and at weaning (d 16) compared to P1 dams (P < 0.001; 14.6 and 18.4 kg, 23.0 and 28.9 kg, 38.9 and 48.0 kg, 43.8 and 57.2 kg for P1 and P3 by day, respectively). Dam serum IgG concentrations on d 114 of gestation were increased (P < 0.001) for P3 dams compared to P1 dams. Parity × day interactions were observed for progeny IgG (P < 0.01) and IgA (P < 0.001) concentrations. Progeny derived from P3 dams had greater concentrations IgG on d 0 and 14 compared to P1 progeny, and IgA concentrations were greater in P3 progeny on d 0. There were no effects of dam parity on fecal microbial fingerprinting (diversity or similarity indices) in samples obtained from dams or their progeny (P > 0.50). Litter performance and transfer of passive immunity are affected by dam parity.