Sixty sows and gilts were randomized among 3 treatments according to breed and parity to determine whether removal of piglets from the dam at birth and simultaneous return would alter piglet serum γ-globulin concentration and reduce piglet mortality at 21 days of age.Neostigmine methylsulfate (I methylsulfate) [51-60-5] was also studied to determine whether it was effective in reducing farrowing interval.Treatments consisted of natural farrowing and nursing, piglet removal at birth, and simultaneous return to the dam and piglet removal plus an injection of 5 mg of I methylsulfate after birth of the fifth piglet.Serum was collected from each piglet at approx. 12 h of age and assayed for γ-globulin by single radial immunodiffusion.Piglets that survived to 21 days of age had a higher γ-globulin concentration, shorter birth interval, heavier birth weight and were born earlier in the litter than those piglets that were born alive but died before 21 days.In the control treatment, there was a correlation of .28 between birth weight and γ-globulin concentrationI did not reduce farrowing interval or number of stillbirths.Piglet removal did not affect mean litter γ-globulin concentration or number of piglets surviving to 21 days of age.