The comparative roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids in pig neonatal development

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 in-depth 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, alpha-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.