ARS | Publication request: Beta-1-3-Glucan effect on sow antibody production and passive immunization of Progeny

Submitted to: Food and Agricultural Immunology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2009
Publication Date: November 24, 2009
Citation: Chau, G.P., Collier, C.T., Welsh, T.H., Carroll, J.A., Laurenz, J.C. 2009. Beta-1-3-glucan effect on sow antibody production and passive immunization of progeny. Food and Agricultural Immunology. 20(3):185-193.

Interpretive Summary: Of particular importance to swine producers is an effective immune system in breeding stock and their young piglets. Beta-glucans are complex sugars that have been found to affect immunity. Two indicators of potential beta-glucan affects were analyzed here. Specifically, sows were vaccinated and the resulting antibody (IgA, IgG, and IgM) production was measured and the subsequent passive immunization of their piglets was analyzed. To test this hypothesis, the treatments included: 1) Corn-soy fed control group, 2) beta-glucan, 3) vaccination, and 4) beta-glucan + vaccination. Piglet birth and weaning weights were not affected by treatment. Independent of treatment, the antibodies in colostrum were elevated and declined rapidly. Vaccination resulted in an increase in specific IgG and IgA antibodies in sow colostrum and milk with a corresponding increase in pigs serum at 4 days of age. However, beta-glucan did not enhance specific antibodies in pig serum. While the dosage used here did not enhance passive immunization in pigs, beta-glucan can be potentially useful as an oral adative to improve immune responses to vaccination.

Technical Abstract: Beta-glucans are glucose homopolymers known to modulate immunity. Here, the beta-glucan effect on sow antibody production and passive immunization of neonatal pigs was analyzed. Treatments included: 1) Corn-soy fed control group, 2) beta-glucan, 3) App vaccination, and 4) beta-glucan + App vaccination. Birth and weaning weights were not affected (P>0.05) by treatment. Independent of treatment, IgA, IgG, and IgM in colostrum were elevated and declined rapidly. Vaccination against App resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in IgG and IgA specific for App serotypes 1, 5, and 7 in colostrum and milk and a corresponding increase (P<0.05) in serum in pigs at 4 d of age. However, beta-glucan did not enhance specific App antibodies in pig serum. While the dosage used here did not enhance passive immunization in pigs, beta-glucan can be potentially efficacious as an oral adjuvant to enhance immunoglobulin production in response to vaccination.