Effect of dietary energy vs. protein restriction on blood constituents and reproductive performance in swine
Atinmo, T.; Pond, W.G.; Barnes, R.H.
Journal of Nutrition 104(8): 1033-1040
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166 PMID: 4211955 Document Number: 79386
Gilts fed a protein-restricted diet throughout gestation had lower haemoglobin, serum protein and serum albumin levels from week 10 of pregnancy to parturition, indicating depletion of labile protein reserves of the protein-restricted gilts to satisfy foetal requirements. The protein-restricted gilts (PR) developed oedema between the hindlegs and around the vulva probably due to the low serum protein and albumin concentrations. There were no significant differences among groups (control, energy restricted, and protein restricted) in blood glucose and plasma free fatty acids (FFA), and all groups showed a significant rise in blood glucose after week 10. A reduced sensitivity to insulin occurring during pregnancy could account for this significant increase in glucose. Birth weight was significantly lower in PR group compared to control (C) and energy-restricted (ER) groups. It appears that changes in blood glucose and plasma FFA are not sensitive indices of energy needs in energy- or protein-restricted pregnant gilts and that only dietary protein deprivation affects blood haemoglobin, urea nitrogen, serum protein and albumin concentration.