Changes in Body Composition of Pig Fetuses during Pregnancy

Abstract

40 fetuses taken from 10 litters on day 50, 60 fetuses taken from 15 litters on day 105 of the respective pregnancies and 6 newly born piglets taken from 3 litters were analyzed for dry matter, total N, amino acids, fat, energy and 5 major minerals. As compared to the amounts found at birth, on day 50 about 3 per cent of the Na and K and less than 2 per cent of the other components were found. On day 105th the corresponding percentages were 96 and 95 for Mg and K, 88 and 86 for fat and Na, between 71 and 74 for dry matter, N, energy and P, and 63 for Ca. During the course of pregnancy proportions of alanine tyrosine, phenylalanine and lysine decreased, whereas those of proline and glycine increased. From the information presented in tables 4 and 5 it may be concluded that most of the fetal gain or organic and inorganic matter takes place during the last part of pregnancy. Increased nutrient requirements of the dam should be of quantitative importance only during this relatively short period. Changes in concentrations of protein and mineral elements during the course of pregnancy are not proportional.

Estimation of genetic trends from 1977 to 1998 of body composition and physiological state of Large White pigs at birth

“…The most pronounced changes in body composition during the later stages of pregnancy are the marked increase in liver weight, body dry matter and protein content (Hakkarainen, 1975;Becker et al, 1979;McPherson et al, 2004). From the endocrine standpoint, the transition Leenhouwers et al (2002a and2002b) after finding that piglets with a high genetic merit for survival would resemble piglets from genetically obese lines.…”

Phosphorus and calcium requirements of growing pigs and sows

“…Development of total P per foetus during gestation according to the equation based on results of Den Hartog et al (1988) and as observed in other studies (Mitchell, 1931;Pomeroy, 1960;Becker et al, 1979;and Mahan et al, 2009) (left panel) and linear increase in Ca and P content expressed per kg fresh body mass, and resulting Ca/P ratio, as derived from the same studies (right panel).…”

Fetal Pig Development in Sows Fed Diets Containing Different Fats

“…analysis of variance procedures (data not presented). (Ullrey et al 1965;Becker et al' 1979). Growth of internal organs is not easily described, because the rate of growth of individual organs is not the s€rme and differs from that of thi total carcass (Ullrey et al-1965;Brooks and Davis 1969). Differences in growth and rate of development may be related to the function the particulai organ plays in gestation' The fetal 'heart is known to be functioning very early in gestation (Hopper and Hart 1985) (Mersmann etal.…”