Physiologic and body composition changes in feeder pigs under simulated marketing conditions

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Physiology
• Animal Nutrition

Background:

• Feeder pigs undergo significant physiological stress during marketing, involving feed and water withdrawal.
• Understanding these physiological changes is crucial for optimizing animal welfare and meat quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of feed and water restriction on body composition and physiological variables in feeder pigs.
• To analyze hormonal changes, circadian rhythms, and packed cell volume under simulated marketing conditions.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted involving feeder pigs subjected to different feed and water availability scenarios for 48 hours.
• Physiological variables (plasma triiodothyronine, cortisol, packed cell volume) and body composition (40K technique) were measured before, during, and after treatment periods.

Main Results:

• Feed and water withdrawal disrupted plasma triiodothyronine and cortisol levels and their circadian rhythms.
• Packed cell volume increased in restricted groups, returning to normal during recovery.
• Pigs with ad libitum feed and water gained significant body weight, fat, and fat-free mass.

Conclusions:

• Simulated marketing conditions involving feed and water restriction induce significant physiological stress and alter body composition in feeder pigs.
• These findings highlight the importance of managing nutritional and water access to mitigate negative impacts on swine during marketing.