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Biochemical changes in sows after eleven or more farrowings
Physiologia Bohemoslovaca
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Older, multiparous sows exhibit a diminished hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis response to insulin challenges compared to younger, primiparous sows. This highlights age-related physiological changes in swine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Physiological differences exist between primiparous and pluriparous sows.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for swine production and welfare.
- Age and parity significantly impact sow physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare biochemical and endocrine profiles of pluriparous and primiparous sows.
- To investigate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis response to insulin in different parity sows.
- To elucidate age-related changes in sow physiology.
Main Methods:
- Blood sera analysis of 30 pluriparous and 26 primiparous sows.
- Measurement of total protein, urea, 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-OHCS), and enzyme activities.
- Insulin injection (1 IU/kg body mass) and subsequent monitoring of glucose, total protein, potassium, and 11-OHCS levels.
Main Results:
- Pluriparous sows had higher total protein and urea, lower 11-OHCS, and altered enzyme activities.
- Pluriparous sows exhibited hypoglycaemia and hypocholesterolaemia.
- Insulin decreased glucose, total protein, and potassium in both groups, but only increased 11-OHCS in primiparous sows.
Conclusions:
- The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis response to insulin is reduced in pluriparous sows.
- These findings contribute to understanding pig postnatal development and age-related physiological adaptations.
- Parity influences endocrine function and metabolic responses in sows.