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Biomedical subjects

M Etienne

Publications and source records attributed to M Etienne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Insulin sensitivity during pregnancy, lactation, and postweaning in primiparous gilts.

The objectives were to examine changes in the insulin response during pregnancy, lactation, and postweaning in an experiment involving 10 primiparous Landrace x Large White gilts. Gilts were catheterized at 50 d of pregnancy, and tests were conducted at approximately 59 d of pregnancy (midpregnancy; MP), 106 d of pregnancy (end of pregnancy; EP), 17 d of lactation (L), and 9 d after weaning (PW), respectively. Changes in plasma glucose, insulin, and NEFA concentrations were studied after 3 different tests: ingestion of 1.3 kg of feed (meal test); a glucose tolerance test; and 2 euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp tests, in which 20 and 55 ng of insulin x kg of BW(-1) x min(-1) were infused during 150 min. Fasting concentrations of plasma glucose were less during L than during the other stages (P < 0.001). Concentrations of glucose and insulin increased after ingestion of the meal and decreased thereafter. Plasma insulin returned to basal concentrations at all stages, whereas glucose reached basal concentrations before the end of the meal at the PW test only. Postprandial concentrations of plasma glucose and area under the curve for insulin were greater during L than at the other stages (P < 0.05); both tended to be greater during EP than during MP or after weaning. Concentrations of NEFA were greater during L than at other stages before as well as after a meal (P < 0.001). Glucose half-life was greatest during L, least during MP and PW, and intermediate during EP. Compared with other stages, insulin secretion during the tolerance tests seemed to be delayed during L and, to a lesser extent, at EP. Irrespective of insulin dose, glucose infusion rates during the clamps did not differ between MP and PW, and were greater than during EP and L (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of NEFA decreased less rapidly during L than during the other stages. Gilts from EP developed a state of insulin resistance that was further accentuated during L. Changes in insulin responsiveness at MP, EP, and L may be an adaptation that allows gilts to acclimate to the increasing demand of glucose by the growing conceptus and the even greater demands of lactation.

Animals↗

Influence of litter size on metabolic status and reproductive axis in primiparous sows.

This study on primiparous sows was designed to 1) determine the impact of nursing a large litter on LH secretion and follicular development, and 2) investigate the metabolic adaptations by which milk yield increases with litter size. At farrowing, crossbred, primiparous sows were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups differing in litter size and feed allowance. Sows with 13 or 14 piglets (13AL, n = 7) were fed ad libitum. Sows with 7 piglets were fed ad libitum (7AL, n = 6) or were feed-restricted (7R, n = 8). The restriction was based on the estimated energy deficiency for the 13AL sows. On d 9 +/- 1 of lactation, a jugular catheter was surgically implanted. Serial blood samplings and glucose tolerance tests were performed in mid- and late lactation. Sows were slaughtered 3 d after weaning, and ovarian characteristics were recorded. During lactation, the 7AL sows lost no or little body reserves, and their estimated energy balance was near zero. The 13AL and 7R sows exhibited similar negative energy balances and similar losses of backfat and estimated lipid content. Litter growth rate was greater (P < 0.05) in the 13AL than in the 7AL and 7R groups. After weaning, the volume of the largest 14 follicles was smaller (P < 0.05) in sows nursing 13 or 14 piglets than in sows with 7 piglets. Plasma concentrations of LH and LH pulse frequency did not differ between groups (P > 0.1). The longer glucose half-life on d 16 than on d 27 of lactation (22.5 vs. 18.8 min; P < 0.05) indicated a lower glucose tolerance in mid- than in late lactation. The area under the insulin curve was greater in the 7AL than in the 13AL sows (P = 0.08) and intermediate in the 7R group, with no differences in glucose profiles. This led to the suggestion that the 7AL sows were more resistant to insulin than the 13AL sows. In all groups of sows, follicular development after weaning was correlated with LH secretion in midlactation. Active follicular development was associated with prolonged secretion of insulin in response to glucose challenge. Our results show that besides litter size, a sow's metabolic status in lactation influences follicular maturation after weaning and also indicate that the metabolic adaptations by which primiparous sows nursing large litters increase litter growth rate and body reserve mobilization do not involve an accentuated peripheral insulin resistance.

Animal Feed↗

Dietary lysine and threonine requirements of the pregnant sow estimated by nitrogen balance.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the lysine and threonine requirements of gestating sows. In the first experiment, four levels of lysine (0.34,0.42,0.48, and 0.56% crude lysine, and 0.24,0.31, 0.38, and 0.45% standardized ileal digestible lysine) were compared in eight multiparous Large White sows. Each sow received successively the four diets according to a Latin-square experimental design. Nitrogen balance was measured over 11 d after a 10-d period of adaptation to the experimental diet. In the second experiment, four threonine/lysine ratios (0.63, 0.73, 0.80, and 0.89 on a crude basis and 0.61, 0.71, 0.77, and 0.87 on a standardized ileal digestible amino acid basis) were compared in 16 multiparous sows, according to a Latin-square experimental design. The standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in the experimental diets was determined with ileo-rectal anastomized growing pigs. In the first experiment, nitrogen retention was affected by lysine supply (linear, P < 0.001; quadratic, P < 0.04). Nitrogen retention was lowest for treatment 1 (8.0 g/ d) and highest for treatments 3 and 4 that did not differ. Nitrogen retention plateaued at 14.7 g/d in sows consuming 10.5 g/d of digestible lysine. The maintenance requirement for digestible lysine was calculated to be 27 mg/kg BW(0.75) with an efficiency of utilization of digestible lysine above maintenance at 59%. In the second experiment, nitrogen retention was affected (P < 0.03) by the threonine:lysine ratio. It was lower for the lowest threonine:lysine ratio (0.63) than for the other three treatments that did not differ among each other. These results indicate that the optimal standardized digestible threonine:lysine ratio appears to be about 0.71 for multiparous gestating sows.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Step-by-step uncoordination of the pyrazolyl rings of hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands in comlexes of Rh and RhIII.

Compounds of rhodium(I) and rhodium(III) that contain ancillary hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands (Tp') react with monodentate and bidentate tertiary phosphanes in a step-wise manner, with incorporation of P-donor atoms and concomitant replacement of the Tp' pyrazolyl rings. Accordingly, [Rh(kappa3-TpMe2)(C2H4)(PMe3)] (1b), converts initially into [Rh(kappa2-TpMe2)-(PMe3)2] (3), and then into [Rh(kappa1-TpMe2)-(PMe3)3] (2) upon interaction with PMe3 at room temperature, in a process which can be readily reversed under appropriate experimental conditions. Full disengagement of the Tp' ligand is feasible to give Tp' salts of rhodium(I) complex cations, for example, [Rh(CO)(dppp)2]-[TpMe2,4-Cl] (5; dppp = Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2), or [Rh(dppp)2][TpMe2,4-Cl] (6). Bis(hydride) derivatives of rhodium(III) exhibit similar substitution chemistry, for instance, the neutral complex [Rh(Tp)-(H)2(PMe3)] reacts at 20 degrees C with an excess of PMe3 to give [Rh(H)2-(PMe3)4][Tp] (9b). Single-crystal X-ray studies of 9b, conducted at 143 K, demonstrate the absence of bonding interactions between the [Rh(H)2(PMe3)4]+ and Tp ions, the closest Rh...N contact being at 4.627 A.

Journal Article↗

Equilibria between alpha- and beta-agostic stabilized rotamers of secondary alkyl niobium complexes.

The isopropyl chloro complex Tp(Me2)NbCl(i-Pr)(PhC&tbd1;CMe) (2) [Tp(Me2) = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate] exhibits a beta-agostic structure in the crystal. The conformation of the alkyl group is such that the agostic methyl group lies in the Calpha-Nb-Cl plane and the nonagostic one, in a wedge formed by two pyrazole rings. As observed by solution NMR spectroscopy, restricted rotation about the Nb-C bond allows the observation of an equilibrium between this species, 2beta, and a minor alpha-agostic rotamer 2alpha. A putative third rotamer which would have the secondary hydrogen in the wedge is not observed. Similar behavior is observed for related Tp'NbCl(i-Pr)(R(2)C=CMe) [Tp' = Tp(Me2), R(2) = Me (3); Tp' = Tp(Me2,4Cl), R(2) = Ph (4)]. The two diastereomers of the sec-butyl complex Tp(Me2)NbCl(sec-Bu)(MeC=CMe) (5) have been separated. In the crystal, 5CR-AS has a beta-agostic methyl group with the ethyl group located in the wedge formed by two pyrazole rings. The same single beta-agostic species is observed in solution. The other diastereomer, 5AR-CS has a beta-agostic methylene group in the solid state, and the methyl group sits in the wedge. In solution, an equilibrium between this beta-agostic methylene complex 5AR-CSbeta and a minor alpha-agostic species 5AR-CSalpha, where the ethyl substituent of the sec-Bu group is located in the wedge between two pyrazole rings, is observed. NMR techniques have provided thermodynamic parameters for these equilibria (K = 2beta/2alpha = 4.0 +/- 0.1 at 193 K, DeltaG(o)(193) = -2.2 +/- 0.1, DeltaH(o) = -7.4 +/- 0.1 kJ mol(-)(1), and DeltaS(o) = -27 +/- 1 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1)), as well as kinetic parameters for the rotation about the Nb-C bond (at 193 K, DeltaG(2)= 47.5 +/- 2.5, DeltaH= 58.8 +/- 2.5 kJ mol(-)(1), and DeltaS = 59.0 +/- 10 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1)). Upon selective deuteration of the beta-methyl protons in Tp(Me2)NbCl[CH(CD(3))(2)](PhC=CMe) (2-d(6)), an expected isotope effect that displaces the equilibrium toward the alpha-agostic rotamer is observed (K = 2-d(6)beta/2-d(6)alpha = 3.1 +/- 0.1 at 193 K, DeltaG(o)(193) = -1.8 +/- 0.1, DeltaH(o) = -8.3 +/- 0.4 kJ mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(o)= -34 +/- 2 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1)). The anomalous values for DeltaH(o) and DeltaS(o) are discussed. Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations (IMOMM (B3LYP:MM3)) on the realistic model Tp(Me2)NbCl(i-Pr)(HC=CMe) have reproduced the energy differences between the alpha- and beta-agostic species with remarkable accuracy. Similar calculations show that Tp(Me2)NbCl(CH(2)Me)(HC=CMe) is alpha-agostic only and that Tp(5)(-)(Me)NbCl(CH(2)Me)(HC=CMe), which has no methyl groups at the 3-positions of the pyrazole rings, is beta-agostic only. Analysis and discussion of the computational and experimental data indicate that the unique behavior observed for the secondary alkyl complexes stems from competition between electronic effects favoring a beta-agostic structure and steric effects directing a bulky substituent in the wedge between two pyrazole rings of Tp(Me2). All of the secondary alkyl complexes thermally rearrange to the corresponding linear alkyl complexes via a first-order reaction.

Journal Article↗

[Endobronchial localization of Launois Bensaude syndrome].

Launois Bensaude syndrome is a benign, asymetric lipomatosis involving the upper back, shoulders, neck and arms. The disorder is usually asymptomatic although mediastinal lipomas, extrinsic compression of trachea, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have been described. We report for the first time to our knowledge a case of Launois Bensaude syndrome with bronchial submucosal adiposis infiltration presenting as flask, smooth, begnin tumor like formation involving several bronchi. Whether this submucosal adipose infiltration participate to the obstructive syndrome is discussed.

Adipose Tissue↗

An analysis of potential factors allowing an individual prediction of cisplatin-induced anaemia.

Severe cisplatin (CP)-induced anaemia significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. Prevention based on erythropoietin (EPO) administration would be cost-effective providing that individual predictive factors of anaemia are identified. The aim of the present study was to identify parameters able to predict the occurrence of CP-related anaemia. This prospective study was conducted on 40 head and neck cancer patients receiving a CP (100 mg/m(2), intravenous (i. v.) on day 1) - 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 1 g/m(2)/dx5 days by continuous infusion) induction chemotherapy. Three cycles were given at 3-weekly intervals. Platinum pharmacokinetics (total and ultrafilterable plasma platinum concentration measured 16 h after CP administration) and 5-FU pharmacokinetics (full-cycle plasma area under the curve, (AUC(0-105h)30 g/l) occurred in 15 patients (38%) and 3 of them also received a blood transfusion. Patient age, 5-FU AUC(0-105h) and total platinum concentration were unrelated to Hb loss. In contrast, ultrafilterable (UF) platinum concentration was significantly correlated to Hb loss: the higher the UF platinum concentration, the greater the Hb loss (P=0.015). A discriminant analysis allowed a cut-off value for UF platinum to be proposed to identify patients developing significant loss of Hb: 91% of patients exhibiting a UF platinum concentration above 50 ng/ml developed significant loss of Hb in contrast to 18% in the group of patients with a UF platinum concentration below 50 ng/ml (odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 46 (4.7-446)). In conclusion, the present platinum pharmacokinetic survey may be proposed as a valuable approach to identify patients at risk for developing severe anaemia.

Adult↗

Identification of fish species after cooking by SDS-PAGE and urea IEF: a collaborative study.

A collaborative study, to validate the use of SDS-PAGE and urea IEF, for the identification of fish species after cooking has been performed by nine laboratories. By following optimized standard operation procedures, 10 commercially important species (Atlantic salmon, sea trout, rainbow trout, turbot, Alaska pollock, pollack, pink salmon, Arctic char, chum salmon, and New Zealand hake) had to be identified by comparison with 22 reference samples. Some differences in the recoveries of proteins from cooked fish flesh were noted between the urea and the SDS extraction procedures used. Generally, the urea extraction procedure appears to be less efficient than the SDS extraction for protein solubilization. Except for some species belonging to the Salmonidae family (Salmo, Oncorhynchus), both of the analytical techniques tested (urea IEF, SDS-PAGE) enabled identification of the species of the samples to be established. With urea IEF, two laboratories could not differentiate Salmo salar from Salmo trutta. The same difficulties were noted for differentiation between Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and Oncorhynchus keta samples. With SDS-PAGE, three laboratories had some difficulties in identifying the S. trutta samples. However, in the contrast with the previous technique, SDS-PAGE allows the characterization of most of the Oncorhynchus species tested. Only Oncorhynchus mykiss was not clearly recognized by one laboratory. Therefore, SDS-PAGE (Excel gel homogeneous 15%) appears to be better for the identification, after cooking, of fish such as the tuna and salmon species which are characterized by neutral and basic protein bands, and urea IEF (CleanGel) is better for the gadoid species, which are characterized by acid protein bands (parvalbumins). Nevertheless, in contentious cases it is preferable to use both analytical methods.

Animals↗

Adaptations of glucose metabolism in multiparous sows: effects of pregnancy and feeding level.

This experiment was undertaken to determine whether pregnancy affects glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in sows fed at different levels. Four replicates of six multiparous Large White sows were involved. In each replicate, four sows were inseminated on the first postweaning estrus (pregnant group) and the two remaining were kept nonpregnant. Half of the sows of each group were fed 2.5 kg/d (low level) and the others 4 kg/d (high level) of the same standard pregnancy diet. Jugular catheters were implanted 2 to 3 d after estrus. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and FFA were determined before and during the 4 h following the morning meal at 10, 30, 59, 87, 93, 101, and 110 d of gestation and at equivalent periods for the nonpregnant sows. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed at 33, 71, 85, 96, and 108 d by i.v. injection of 0.5 g glucose/kg BW. Compared with the glycemia before the meal, all the sows showed hyperglycemia 30 min after the initiation of the meal and hypoglycemia thereafter, with a minimum reached at approximately 75 min. Insulinemia increased from 20 min after food access, reached a maximum at 40 min, and returned to the basal level after 180 min. The higher feeding level increased plasma insulin and lowered plasma glucose levels. Glycemia and insulinemia profiles changed from 87 d onward in the pregnant sows. The peak of glucose induced by the meal was higher, and the subsequent period of hypoglycemia almost disappeared. The area under the insulin curve was unchanged, but insulin secretion was delayed. The glucose tolerance tests showed that between d 85 and 108 the half-life of injected glucose increased and insulin secretion was delayed in the pregnant sows. Compared to the following stages, plasma FFA were high before and after the meal at 10 d, which most likely was a residual effect from the previous gestation/lactation cycle. They were lower from 30 to 101 d in the pregnant and nonpregnant sows. At 110 d, fasting FFA were high again in the pregnant sows only, very likely in relation to the preparation for lactation. This experiment showed that insulin sensitivity decreases after 85 d of pregnancy in multiparous sows.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Development of a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reference method for the analysis and identification of fish species in raw and heat-processed samples: a collaborative study.

A collaborative study was carried out in seven European labs with the aim of achieving a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) standard operation procedure to identify fish species in raw and cooked samples. Urea and SDS-containing solutions were evaluated as extractants. Several preelectrophoretic operations--such as treatment with RNase/DNase, ultrafiltration and desalting--and up to ten types of gels and three SDS-PAGE systems were considered. The SDS-containing solution allowed a higher protein extractability than urea. Unlike urea extraction, SDS extraction seemed not to be influenced so much by the state of the sample (raw, cooked at 60 degrees C, cooked at 85 degrees C). Desalting, ultrafiltration or treatment with RNase/DNase did not improve the discriminatory power of the protein patterns. Commercial homogeneous 15% ExcelGels, especially when they were silver stained, yielded good results and afforded higher reproducibility, thus allowing a better matching of results among the laboratories participating in this collaborative study. Under the optimized technical conditions described above, all the fish species tested, either raw and cooked, yielded reproducible and discriminant species-specific protein patterns.

Animals↗

A standardized method of identification of raw and heat-processed fish by urea isoelectric focusing: a collaborative study.

A urea-isoelectric focusing (urea-IEF) method of identifying fish species in processed fishery products was investigated as an interlaboratory collaborative study. The technique was optimized with respect to (i) protein extraction conditions, composition of the extraction solution (urea and SDS solutions), determination of protein concentrations of the fish extracts (five tested methods); (ii) nature of gel (with carrier ampholytes and Immobilines), conditions of rehydration of commercial dry gels, urea concentration; (iii) staining conditions, Coomassie blue and silver staining. The results of various experiments were compared to select the most appropriate methodology, with respect to the discrimination power of differentiating species with the minimal influence of heat processing, reproducibility, speed, and ease of application. The method recommended meets the requirements of food control and customs laboratories.

Fish Products↗

Effect of protein and lysine supply on performance, nitrogen balance, and body composition changes of sows during lactation.

Using 73 Large White gilts, we studied the lysine requirement during lactation. Sow and pig performance and nitrogen balance of sows were measured during the total 21-d lactation period. Variation in body composition of sows between farrowing and weaning was determined by the comparative slaughter technique. Two levels of crude protein (15.5 and 17.1%) were combined with two levels of L-lysine HCl supplementation (0 and .16%), resulting in four diets termed P1L1, P1L2, P2L2, and P2L3, containing .66, .77, .77, and .87% crude lysine, and 15.5, 15.5, 17.1, and 17.1% crude protein, respectively. Sows' feed intake, litter growth rate, and milk energy and protein output were not affected by the diet. Nitrogen balance over the total lactation increased (P < .001) with an increase in lysine and(or) protein (-11.7, -7.0, -3.4, and .4 g N/d for P1L1, P1L2, P2L2, and P2L3 diets, respectively). The losses of body weight and muscle weight were higher in P1L1 gilts (P < .01 and .05, respectively) than in gilts on other treatments, whereas the loss of adipose tissue and backfat was similar for the four groups. Multiple linear relationships between lysine intake and milk nitrogen output as predictors and nitrogen balance (N balance = -15.8 + 1.22 lysine - .63 N milk, R2 = .89) or variation of muscle weight (Vm = -477 + 30.1 lysine - 14.7 N milk, R2 = .70) as predicted values were calculated to estimate lysine requirement according to production performance of sows. Calculations show that for achieving a zero protein balance, 45 to 55 g/d of crude lysine are required for normal to high-yielding sows, respectively.

Adipose Tissue↗

PACE: a model for integrated care of frail older patients. Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.

The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a model of care that pools Medicare and Medicaid funds to provide acute and long-term care services for older patients through the use of interdisciplinary teams. Services include physician visits, prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, personal care workers, hospitalization, and nursing home care, if needed. PACE programs may also offer social services intervention, case management, respite care, or extended home care nursing. The PACE site assumes financial responsibility for all services. Now that PACE programs can become permanent providers under Medicare, their number is expected to grow.

Aged↗

Energy metabolism in pregnant sows and newborn pigs.

Measurements of heat production(HP; indirect calorimetry) and its partition between maintenance, physical activity, thermoregulation, and thermic effect of feed or energy gain were carried out in sows maintained in different situations: primiparous or multiparous; pregnant or nonpregnant; thermoneutral or cold conditions; varied feeding levels; and varied body weights (BW). Metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance average 420 kJ/kg BW.75 at thermoneutrality and moderate physical activity. This value is not significantly affected by parity, pregnancy, and stage of pregnancy. Physical activity is a major factor causing differences in energy balance between sows because activity is variable and its energy cost (27 kJ.kg BW-.75.100 min-1 standing) is four to five times higher than in other species. Lower critical temperature (LCT) is approximately 20 degrees C in pregnant and individually housed sows, and daily HP is increased by approximately 15 kJ/kg BW.75 for each degree Celsius decrease of ambient temperature below LCT. Efficiencies of utilization of ME for meeting energy requirements for maintenance, maternal gain, and uterine gain are 77, 75, and 50%, respectively. Equations for predicting energy deposition in the uterus and mammary gland are proposed. In addition to activity and thermoregulation, energy requirements of pregnant sows depend on body reserves of energy. Studies with newborn pigs indicate that they are quite sensitive to ambient temperature (i.e., +25 J.kg BW-.75.min-1 for each degree Celsius decrease of temperature), and their LCT is 32 to 34 degrees C. The energy demand of pigs for thermoregulation just after birth relies mainly on carbohydrates from glycogen reserves or colostrum. Survival of newborn pigs is highly dependent on the supply of colostrum.

Animals↗

Effect of number of pig embryos in the uterus on their survival and development and on maternal metabolism.

The effects of pig embryo number on fetal survival and growth and maternal metabolism were evaluated with 114 Large White gilts. Gilts were assigned at 38 kg to three treatments: control (CTR), ligature of the left oviduct (LIG), or right hemi-hysteroovariectomy (HHO). Insemination occurred at 311 +/- 18 d of age. A laparotomy was performed at d 35 of gestation, and gilts were slaughtered at d 112. Ovulation rate per uterine horn was 4.30, 8.70, and 17.12 in the LIG, CTR, and HHO groups, respectively. The hierarchy was the same for litter size at d 35 of gestation, but the relative differences were reduced (3.24, 5.98, and 8.40 fetuses/uterine horn, respectively). Litter size per uterine horn was similar in the CTR and HHO groups at d 112 of pregnancy (2.93, 4.69, and 4.76 fetuses in the LIG, CTR, and HHO groups, respectively). Early (before d 35 of gestation), late, and total fetal mortality increased with embryo potential per uterine horn. There was a compensation between early and late fetal mortality in the CTR and HHO groups. Fetal weight at d 112 was related to litter size in early pregnancy (1.50, 1.38, and 1.27 kg in the LIG, CTR, and HHO groups, respectively). Uterine capacity limits litter size and fetal development, even in sows with a conventional potential of embryos. Availability of energetic and gluconeogenic substrates was higher at 110 than at 60 d of gestation in the three groups. Blood substrate levels suggested that lipid mobilization and glucose uptake were higher in the gilts with a larger litter weight.

Alanine↗

Reconstitution of body reserves in multiparous sows during pregnancy: effect of energy intake during pregnancy and mobilization during the previous lactation.

Multiparous Large White sows were used in two experiments to determine the effects of energy intake on the reconstitution of body reserves during pregnancy. In Exp. 1, 21 sows received one of three different energy levels during pregnancy: 7.4, 8.8, or 10.4 Mcal DE/d. In Exp. 2, two energy levels (7.9 and 9.2 Mcal DE/d) were fed to 36 sows that mobilized low or high amounts of body reserves during the previous lactation (6 or 12 pigs per litter, respectively). Nitrogen balances were conducted during five 7-d periods at 11, 32, 53, 82, and 104 d of gestation. All the experimental sows were slaughtered and dissected at the end of pregnancy; 24 control sows were similarly slaughtered at mating in order to estimate composition of BW gain, according to the comparative slaughter technique. In the two experiments, average nitrogen (N) retention increased linearly with energy supply from 9.9 to 14.5 g/d in Exp. 1 (P < .001) and from 10.2 to 12.5 g/d in Exp. 2 (P < .05). Nitrogen retention was not affected by the extent of mobilization of body reserves during the previous lactation in Exp. 2. In both experiments, carcass weight (P < .001), muscle weight (P < .01), and dissectable fat weight (P < .001, Exp. 1; P < .01, Exp. 2) increased with energy supply. We conclude that in high-producing modern multiparous sows, energy supply during gestation is a limiting factor for N retention and muscle weight gain and should be approximately 8,500 kcal DE/d to ensure adequate restoration of body reserves.

Animals↗

Influence of the nutritional deficit of foetal survival and growth and plasma metabolites in rabbit does.

Two experiments were conducted in order to determine the influence of nutritional deficit on foetal survival and growth in rabbits does. All females were mated within 12 h of parturition and all the young were removed at that time. In experiment 1, females were fed close to ad libitum (C1, n = 20), or restricted to 100% (M1, n = 20) or 75% (R1, n = 19) of the maintenance energy requirement. On d 28 of gestation, foetal mortality was similar in the 3 groups, whereas foetal weight and protein content of the litters were reduced in feed-restricted groups (P < 0.001). In experiment 2, females were fed ad libitum (C2, n = 12) or were restricted to the same level as in R1 (R2, n = 13). Blood samples were collected on d 17 and 28 of gestation before and after (1 and 3 h) a standardized meal. Pre- and postprandial concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and urea were lower in the R2 than in the C2 females (P < 0.01). Preprandial concentrations of glucose were similar in both groups at d 17, and higher in the R2 groups than in the C2 group at d 28. The postprandial concentration of glucose was higher 1 h after the meal and lower 3 h after the meal in the R2 group (P < 0.01). Progesterone was significantly higher in the R2 females at d 17 (P < 0.001). These results suggest that nutrient deficit may be responsible for reduced foetal growth in concurrently pregnant and lactating does.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗