The comparative roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids in pig neonatal development

Abstract

The present review focuses on the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) provision for the normal development of the pig neonate. The review describes first the selected fatty acid composition of a range of porcine tissues including nervous tissues, muscle and adipose tissues, reproductive organs and immune-responsive organs and/or cells. The importance of PUFA to the functioning of the immune system of the neonate is considered briefly and is followed by an indepth consideration of the sources of PUFA for the neonatal pig. The effects of different categories or specific types of fatty acid (i.e. non-essential, linoleic, a-linolenic, long-chain n-6 and n-3 PUFA) on various indices of pig neonatal growth are reviewed. The importance of n-3 PUFA supply to the fetal and early neonatal pig is underlined and evidence is presented for more attention to be given to the amounts available from maternal sources. Based on the material reviewed, recommendations are made on the dietary intake of PUFA in the gestating pig. Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Neonatal nutrition: Pig

Sow litter size is increased in the subsequent parity when lactating sows are fed diets containing n-3 fatty acids from fish oil1

“…Omega-3 PUFA from fish oil have been shown to improve the development of the brain and immunity of neonatal piglets (Leskanich and Noble, 1999); however, there is little information regarding the effect of n-3 PUFA on fertility in sows. Palmer et al (1970) reported an increase in litter size born in first-and second-parity sows when diets containing fish meal were fed over the first 2 parities.…”

Effects of a dietary supplement of DHA-rich marine algae on Italian heavy pig production parameters

“…doi:10. 1016/j.livsci.2006.01.009 cardiovascular diseases) and are necessary in order to attain optimal pre-and post-natal growth (Leskanich and Noble, 1999;Williams, 2000;Simopoulos and Cleland, 2003;EFSA, 2005;MacRae et al, 2005). Increasing public awareness about the health benefits attributable to n-3 PUFA has stimulated interest in the sources of these fatty acids available for human consumption, also considering that western diets are rich in n-6 fatty acids and the overall consensus is that the n-6:n-3 ratio of diets should be reduced by increasing the intake of n-3 fatty acids (Department of Health, 1994).…”

Body composition and muscle glycogen contents of piglets of sows fed diets differing in fatty acids profile and contents

“…EFAs are fatty acids which are required by an organism for the maintenance of normal growth and reproduction, are not able to be synthesized by the organism, and are therefore required in appropriate amounts in the diet (Leskanich and Noble, 1999).…”

“…Therefore dietary supplementation with fat to enhance energy and EFA supply during the late gestation and lactation may be an effective way of increasing the EFA content in piglet tissue and the EFA level of colostrum and milk, thereby improving the viability of piglets (Gu and Li, 2003) and the immune status of the neonate (Leskanich and Noble, 1999). Differences in placenta development may cause differences in piglet storage of glycogen (Wu et al, 2006).…”