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Restricted feeding may induce serous fat atrophy in male Göttingen minipigs
Peter Bollen1, Mikala Skydsgaard
1Biomedical Laboratory, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark. pbollen@health.sdu.dk
Abstract:
Serous atrophy of the fatty tissue of bone marrow is occasionally seen in minipigs. It is not associated with compound toxicity, as it has been observed in both dosing and healthy control groups in toxicity studies, but the etiology and pathogenesis are unknown. However, a nutritional factor is suspected, since minipigs are generally diet restricted. In order to investigate this, newly weaned minipigs were fed different amounts of feed for nine months, after which the bone marrow was evaluated. Serous atrophy was observed in diet-restricted male minipigs fed on a diet based on the nutrient requirements of production pigs, but not in males fed on a diet specially designed for minipigs, at similarly restricted levels. No serous atrophy was observed in females. It was concluded that nutrient requirements of production pigs are not necessarily suitable for minipigs, as a diet based on these nutrient requirements caused total depletion of perirenal fat depots, as well as serous atrophy of the fatty tissue of bone marrow in male Göttingen minipigs at a restricted feeding level.
Insights
Nutritional deficiencies in diet-restricted male Göttingen minipigs can cause serous atrophy of bone marrow fat. This finding highlights species-specific dietary needs, distinct from production pigs, to prevent adverse health effects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Serous atrophy of bone marrow fat is observed in minipigs, unrelated to compound toxicity.
- The exact cause and development of this condition remain unknown.
- Nutritional factors are suspected due to the general diet restriction in minipigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of diet in the development of serous atrophy in minipigs.
- To compare the effects of production pig diets versus specialized minipig diets under restricted feeding.
Main Methods:
- Newly weaned minipigs were fed varying amounts of two different diets for nine months.
- Bone marrow was evaluated post-feeding period.
- Body fat depots were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Serous atrophy occurred in diet-restricted male minipigs fed a production pig diet.
- Males fed a specialized minipig diet at similar restriction levels did not develop serous atrophy.
- No serous atrophy was observed in female minipigs.
Conclusions:
- Production pig nutrient requirements are unsuitable for minipigs.
- A diet based on production pig requirements led to fat depletion and serous atrophy in male Göttingen minipigs.
- This underscores the need for species-specific nutritional guidelines for minipigs.
