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Prenatal development as a predisposing factor for perinatal losses in pigs
T van der Lende1, E F Knol, J I Leenhouwers
1Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences (WIAS), Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands. tette.vanderlende@alg.vf.wag-ur.nl
Reproduction (Cambridge, England). Supplement
|May 1, 2002
Summary
Piglet mortality causes significant economic losses, with most deaths occurring perinatally. Factors like birth weight and carbohydrate metabolism are critical for piglet survival and development.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Perinatal Physiology
Background:
- The swine industry faces considerable economic losses due to high piglet mortality rates, with over 10% dying before weaning.
- Perinatal mortality, occurring around birth, accounts for the majority of these losses.
- Prenatal development, including birth weight and maturational processes, significantly influences perinatal survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the factors contributing to perinatal piglet mortality.
- To examine the role of prenatal development and maturation in piglet viability.
- To explore the significance of carbohydrate metabolism for perinatal survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on piglet mortality, prenatal development, and perinatal physiology.
- Analysis of factors influencing birth weight and its relation to mortality.
- Examination of the impact of late-gestation maturation processes on extrauterine adaptation.
- Review of carbohydrate metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and glycogen deposition in perinatal piglets.
Main Results:
- Birth weight and its variability are identified as key risk factors for perinatal mortality.
- Late-gestation maturational processes, influenced by the pituitary-adrenal system, are crucial for extrauterine survival.
- Prenatal carbohydrate reserves (glycogen) and metabolic capacity are closely linked to piglet viability.
- Genetic selection for reduced mortality may alter body composition and organ development rather than solely increasing birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Addressing piglet mortality requires a focus on prenatal development, particularly birth weight and maturation.
- Understanding and optimizing carbohydrate metabolism in perinatal piglets is essential for improving survival rates.
- Further research into the interplay between prenatal development, metabolic status, and genetic factors is needed to mitigate swinelet losses.