Nutritional Studies on Hysterectomy-obtained SPF Baby Pigs Fed Infant Formula Products

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Abstract
Three liquid formula products used for feeding human infants were fed to hysterectomy-obtained SPF (specific pathogen free) pigs from birth to 4 weeks of age to determine whether baby pigs could be raised with these low protein formulas and whether any differences in growth could be attributed to differences in formula composition. The baby pigs grew well but at a somewhat slower rate than those fed a simulated sow's milk formula. The lower weight gains, poorer caloric efficiencies and higher carcass fat levels observed with the infant formula products were related mainly to the low protein levels of the infant formulas. The lowest weight gain was noted with the infant formula which also contained levels of calcium and phosphorus below the requirements of the pig. Femur weights and ash content were also low in pigs fed this formula. Low hemoglobin levels in one group of pigs were apparently related to the low copper level of the formula fed. Some of the other differences in organ weights and composition may also be related to nutritional factors in these diets. The results indicate that the newborn baby pig may be a useful experimental animal for studying human infant formula products and for determining the effects of limiting levels of specific nutritional factors in the diet.