Intestinal Lactase, Alkaline and Acid Phosphatase in the Swine Fetus and Newborn Pig

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Abstract
Fifty-seven fetuses or newborn pigs were obtained from 19 Yorkshire first-litter gilts for assays of the gastrointestinal concentration of lactase and alkaline and acid phosphatase. The fetuses were obtained by Caesarian section at 30, 51, 72 and 93 days post-breeding. Newborn pigs were taken immediately at birth and were not allowed to nurse. None of the enzymes studied were found in the stomach or colon and rectum. In general, at 72 and 93 days post-breeding and at birth the cranial and middle sections of the jejunum-ileum exhibited greater enzyme activity, expressed per unit of dry tissue, than other portions of the small intestine. Enzyme concentration per unit of dry tissue was significantly greater at birth than at any fetal age. Alkaline phosphatase concentration at 93 days post-breeding was significantly greater than at any earlier fetal period.