Trypsin Inhibitor and Immunoglobulins in Porcine Colostrum

The specific trypsin inhibitor in porcine colostrum first described by Laskowski et al. (1957) is assumed to protect maternal antibodies in colostrum during absorption from the gut of the neonatal piglets (Baintner 1973). Investigations of Jensen & Pedersen have shown that the serum levels of IgG and IgA in newborn suckling piglets depend on both the immunoglobulin and the trypsin inhibitor levels in the colostrum of their mothers. Accordingly, the sow colostrum trypsin inhibitor (SCTI) is essential in order to ensure optimal systemic antibody protection to the newborn and young piglets. The secretory IgA in colostrum and milk, which gives local passive immunity to the gastro-intestinal tract of the piglets (Bourne 1973), is assumed in itself to be relatively resistant against proteolytic degradation (Tomasi & Bienenstock 1968).