Housing hygiene conditions affect postprandial profiles of amino acids and metabolites in pigs selected for low and high residual feed intake

Abstract

The objective is to evaluate the effects of systemic inflammation induced by poor housing conditions on postprandial profiles of amino acids and metabolites in pigs divergently selected for Residual Feed Intake (RFI; a feed efficiency measure). Thirty-two growing pigs will be used in factorial planning 2x2 (n=8 pigs/group): two genetic lines (low-RFI and high-RFI) and two housing hygiene conditions (Good vs. Dirty). After a period of adaptation to the experimental conditions of three weeks, blood samples will be collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 210 e 240 min by an intravenous catheter fixed to each animal. Samples will be analyzed using commercial kits for estimate of plasma amino acid concentrations (essential and non-essential) and metabolites (glucose, urea, free fatty acids and insulin). After statistical analysis, the variations of the concentration of the different amino acids over time will be analyzed by the nonlinear regression model (Erlang Equation). The execution of this project will allow a better understanding of the effects of housing sanitary conditions on the metabolism of pigs. In addition, the expected results may be used in future projects in an attempt to mitigate the negative impacts of poor hygiene conditions on pig production. (AU)