Body Weight Loss during Lactation in Relation to Energy and Protein Metabolism in Standard‐Fed Primiparous Sows

Abstract

Summary After 5 weeks of lactation 14 standard‐fed primiparous sows were divided into a low weight‐loss group (L‐gr, loss < 25 kg, n = 7) and a high weight‐loss group (H‐gr, loss ≥ 25 kg, n = 7). Body weights of the sows and their litters were recorded on days 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 of lactation. Blood samples were collected before the morning feeding on each weighing day. Samples were analysed to determine concentrations of insulin, glucagon, glucose, triglycerides, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea and creatinine. The H‐gr sows lost weight throughout lactation, whereas the L‐gr sows gained weight during the last week. Weight loss was higher in the H‐gr than in the L‐gr during weeks 2, 3 and 5 of lactation. Litter size and litter weight gain were higher in the H‐gr than in the L‐gr. Significant changes in levels of insulin, glucagon, glucose, triglycerides and creatinine were observed over lactation. No significant differences in concentrations of any of the parameters were found between the two groups, except for insulin and cholesterol which were higher in the L‐gr. Catabolism of adipose tissue and muscle protein was observed in both groups during the first week of lactation. This catabolic state was more pronounced and tended to be prolonged in the H‐gr. Concentrations of all parameters seemed to be stable in both groups during the last two weeks of lactation.

Influence of feed restriction in primiparous lactating sows on body condition and metabolic parameters

“…In our study, feed restriction did not influence mean concentrations of glucose, in contrast to earlier observations [27,41]. ].…”

“…Therefore, the higher increase in levels of NEFA before the afternoon meal found in L sows during lactation indicates that they mobilized more fat reserves than H sows [32,41].…”

Insulin-stimulating diets during the weaning-to-estrus interval do not improve fetal and placental development and uniformity in high-prolific multiparous sows

“…It is well known that during a period of insulin deficiency, for example, because of a catabolic state during lactation, hepatic growth hormone (GH) binding, and thereby GH-stimulated IGF-1 production is inhibited (Thissen et al, 1994). Indeed in our sows, insulin and IGF-1 concentrations before weaning were negatively related to sow BW loss during lactation, and positively related to sow backfat thickness at weaning, as also observed by Hoving et al (2012) and Rojkittikhun et al (1993). After weaning, sows change towards an anabolic state, associated with restoration of plasma insulin and IGF-1 concentrations (Van den Brand et al, 2001a;Wientjes et al, 2012b).…”

Measurements of body composition during late gestation and lactation in first and second parity sows and its relationship to piglet production and post-weaning reproductive performance

“…Even under full feed, larger litter sizes imposed greater energy demands on primiparous sow reserves (Quesnel et al, 2007). Similarly, primiparous dams with greater body weight loss during lactation were nursing larger litters and had greater litter weight gain, all while having greater and more prolonged adipose and muscle catabolism in comparison to sows with low body weight loss during lactation (Rojkittikhun et al, 1993). In the current study a negative relationship between number of piglets nursed and both loin eye area at weaning and loss of loin eye area from late gestation to weaning existed.…”