Light and electron microscopy of cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion

Cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion were identified using light and electron microscopy. Cell types identified were neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The neutrophils predominated in colostrum and involution secretion, whereas in milk it was the epithelial cell. Macrophages and lymphocytes were present throughout lactation and so too were eosinophils which were always present in lower concentrations. Both neutrophils and macrophages were seen with phagocytic vacuoles containing either lipid, casein or cellular debris. The possible roles played by the phagocytic and lymphoid cells in the protection of the mammary gland of the sow and the gut of the neonate from pathogenic microorganisms is discussed.