Effect of Dietary Energy vs. Protein Restriction on Blood Constituents and Reproductive Performance in Swine

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Abstract
The effects of feeding restricted energy or restricted protein on blood constituents were studied in pregnant gilts. Gilts fed the protein-restricted diet throughout gestation had lower hemoglobin, serum protein and serum albumin levels from week 10 to parturition, indicating depletion of labile protein reserves of the protein-restricted gilts to satisfy fetal requirements. The protein-restricted gilts (PR) developed edema between the hindlegs and around the vulva probably due to the low serum protein and albumin concentrations. There were no significant differences among groups in blood glucose and plasma FFA and all groups showed a significant rise in blood glucose after week 10. A reduced sensitivity to insulin occurring during pregnancy could account for this significant increase in glucose. Birth weight was significantly lower in PR group compared to control (C) and energy-restricted (ER) groups. It appears that changes in blood glucose and plasma FFA are not sensitive indices of energy needs in energy- or protein-restricted pregnant gilts and that only dietary protein deprivation affects blood hemoglobin, urea nitrogen, serum protein and albumin concentrations.

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