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

Abstract

In commercial farms, pigs are continuously exposed to sanitary challenges that influence health, metabolism, physiology and animal performance. Since amino acids (AA) are essential nutrients for defense system maintenance, post-absorptive metabolism can be altered by greater or lesser challenge, as well as by the animal's ability (influenced by genetic potential) to adapt. In this context, the purpose is to evaluate the effects of inflammation caused by poor housing conditions on postprandial profiles of AA and metabolites (glucose, urea, free fatty acids and insulin) in growing pigs differently selected for low and high residual feed intake (RFI, a measure of feed efficiency). The internship time includes an experimental trial previously proposed to FAPESP (Process No. 2018/11807-6), biochemical and statistical analysis, and modelling of AA postprandial profiles. If successful, the application of this technique may fill gaps in this study area, and the results obtained can be used in future projects searching for solutions to negative impacts of poor sanitary conditions on pig production. Besides discussion in association with international research groups, this study aims the development of researches based on pillars of animal production: environment, genetics, nutrition and animal welfare. Additionally, the sandwich period will allow discussing the application of modelling in conditions similar to those of pig production in Brazil with international researchers specialized in this area, with this knowledge being applied to FCAV-UNESP. (AU)