Higher body fatness in intrauterine growth retarded juvenile pigs is associated with lower fat and higher carbohydrate oxidation during ad libitum and restricted feeding

Abstract

Purpose A thrifty energy metabolism has been suggested in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) offspring. We characterized energy metabolism and substrate oxidation patterns in IUGR pigs in response to food restriction (FR) and refeeding (RFD).MethodsFemale pigs with low (L; 1.1 kg; n = 20) or normal birth weight (N; 1.5 kg; n = 24) were fed ad libitum after weaning. Half of L and N pigs were food restricted (R; LR, NR) from days 80 to 100 (57 % of ad libitum) and refeed from days 101 to 131, while the remaining pigs were fed ad libitum (control, C). Using indirect calorimetry, carbohydrate and fat oxidation (COX, FOX), energy expenditure (EE) and balance (EB), resting metabolic rate (RMR) [all related to kg body weight0.62 (BW)] and RQ were determined at 4 days before (day 76) and after (day 83) beginning of FR, 4 days before (day 97) and after (day 104) end of FR and 25 days after beginning of RFD (day 125). Body fat and muscle weights were determined at day 131.ResultsIn spite of higher relative food intake (FI), BW was lower in L pigs. In L pigs, physical activity was lower at age 76 and 83 days compared to N pigs. IUGR did not affect EE or RMR, but resulted in higher COX and lower FOX, causing greater and earlier onset of fat deposition. During FR, EE and RMR of R pigs dropped below that of C pigs, and BW gain was delayed by 30 % irrespective of birth weight. In response to FR, COX decreased and FOX increased. During FR, in LR pigs FOX was ~50 % of that in NR pigs. After 4 days, but not 25 days of RFD, EB and fat synthesis were higher in pigs previously subjected to FR, indicating early catch-up fat. In R pigs, BW and the abdominal fat proportion were lower at 131 days.ConclusionsDifferences in food intake and substrate oxidation pattern, but not in EE and RMR, between L and N pigs were reflected in higher body fat proportions but lower body and muscle weights in L pigs. Refeeding following FR was initially associated with increased FI, a more positive EB and a more intense stimulation of fat synthesis which did not persist after 25 days of refeeding.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00394-013-0567-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Artificial rearing influences the morphology, permeability and redox state of the gastrointestinal tract of low and normal birth weight piglets

“…In addition, increasing litter sizes in modern swine production have led to higher rates of piglets born with a low birth weight (LBW) [3]. Both newborn LBW human [4–6] and LBW piglets [7–10] seem to have a lower capacity to mount an antioxidant response. Newborns transitioning from maternal mediated respiration to autonomous pulmonary respiration outside the uterus are suddenly exposed to O 2 -derived free radicals [11].…”

“…A redox imbalance affects cellular signaling, protein synthesis, and enhances proteolysis that can ultimately lead to a dysfunctional intestinal barrier and suboptimal regenerative potential as shown in vitro [12–15]. Consequently, the observed redox imbalance and the downstream effects could explain the abnormal absorption and metabolism of nutrients, reduced growth and impaired development of the small intestine, liver, and muscle observed in LBW piglets [10, 16–21]. This redox imbalance appears to persist beyond weaning [9].…”

Effect of different time intervals after feeding on plasma metabolites in growing pigs: an UPLC‐MS‐based metabolomics study

“…In this study, palmitoleic acid and myristoleic acid were significantly high after an overnight fast compared to levels 4 or 8 hr after feeding. A series of studies have reported a similar effect of feed restriction and fasting on lipid metabolism (Krueger et al, 2013). This is a strategy to save glucose and proteins that are crucial fuels for some important organs (Lomb, Laurent, & Haigis, 2010).…”

“…Krueger et al. () reported that after feeding, growing pigs showed higher carbohydrate oxidation, whereas fat oxidation markedly decreased and then switched to fat synthesis. However, the physiological and biochemical response to ingestion and absorption of a diet are an inherently complicated process (Jones, Park, & Ziegler, ; Pellis et al., ).…”

“…A particular diet consumed by pigs implies the use of specific nutrient intake for increasing the amount of protein and fat stored by the body, represented as weight gain (He et al, 2009;Milgen, Quiniou, & Noblet, 2000). Krueger et al (2013) reported that after feeding, growing pigs showed higher carbohydrate oxidation, whereas fat oxidation markedly decreased and then switched to fat synthesis. However, the physiological and biochemical response to ingestion and absorption of a diet are an inherently complicated process (Jones, Park, & Ziegler, 2012;Pellis et al, 2012).…”