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Hodkovicova N, Halas S, Tosnerova K, Stastny K, Svoboda M. The use of functional amino acids in different categories of pigs - A review. VET MED-CZECH 2023; 68:299-312. [PMID: 37982122 PMCID: PMC10646542 DOI: 10.17221/72/2023-vetmed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review deals with a particularly important topic: the use of functional amino acids in different categories of pigs. It is especially relevant in the context of the current efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig farming and the search for possible alternatives to replace them. The review is based on the definition that functional amino acids (FAAs) are classified as dispensable amino acids, but with additional biological functions, i.e., not only are they used for protein formation, but they are also involved in regulating essential metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, and development. We describe the mechanism of action of individual FAAs and their potential use in pigs, including glutamate, glutamine, arginine, branched-chain amino acids (i.e., leucine, isoleucine, and valine), tryptophan and glycine. The work is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the FAAs and their role in the overall health of sows and their offspring. The second part describes the use of functional amino acids in piglets after weaning. Part three examines the use of functional amino acids in growing and fattening pigs and their impact on meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Hodkovicova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simon Halas
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Husbandry, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Kristina Tosnerova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Stastny
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Svoboda
- Ruminant and Swine Clinic, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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Blavi L, Solà-Oriol D, Llonch P, López-Vergé S, Martín-Orúe SM, Pérez JF. Management and Feeding Strategies in Early Life to Increase Piglet Performance and Welfare around Weaning: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:302. [PMID: 33503942 PMCID: PMC7911825 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of piglets in nurseries may vary depending on body weight, age at weaning, management, and pathogenic load in the pig facilities. The early events in a pig's life are very important and may have long lasting consequences, since growth lag involves a significant cost to the system due to reduced market weights and increased barn occupancy. The present review evidences that there are several strategies that can be used to improve the performance and welfare of pigs at weaning. A complex set of early management and dietary strategies have been explored in sows and suckling piglets for achieving optimum and efficient growth of piglets after weaning. The management strategies studied to improve development and animal welfare include: (1) improving sow housing during gestation, (2) reducing pain during farrowing, (3) facilitating an early and sufficient colostrum intake, (4) promoting an early social interaction between litters, and (5) providing complementary feed during lactation. Dietary strategies for sows and suckling piglets aim to: (1) enhance fetal growth (arginine, folate, betaine, vitamin B12, carnitine, chromium, and zinc), (2) increase colostrum and milk production (DL-methionine, DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, arginine, L-carnitine, tryptophan, valine, vitamin E, and phytogenic actives), (3) modulate sows' oxidative and inflammation status (polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium, phytogenic actives, and spray dried plasma), (4) allow early microbial colonization (probiotics), or (5) supply conditionally essential nutrients (nucleotides, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and tryptophan).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Blavi
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.S.-O.); (P.L.); (S.L.-V.); (S.M.M.-O.); (J.F.P.)
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Rooney HB, O'Driscoll K, Silacci P, Bee G, O'Doherty JV, Lawlor PG. Effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, muscle maturation and lifetime growth in progeny from large litters. Br J Nutr 2020; 124:1-36. [PMID: 32127055 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520000811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Genetic selection for increased sow prolificacy has resulted in decreased mean piglet birth-weight. This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine (CAR) supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, semitendinosus muscle (STM) maturity, and lifetime growth in progeny. Sixty-four sows were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments at breeding until weaning; CONTROL (0mg CAR/d), GEST (125mg CAR/d during gestation), LACT (250mg CAR/d during lactation), and BOTH (125mg CAR/d during gestation & 250mg CAR/d during lactation). The total number of piglets born per litter was greater for sows supplemented with CAR during gestation (17.3 v 15.8 ± 0.52; P<0.05). Piglet birth-weight (total and live) was unaffected by sow treatment (P>0.05). Total myofibre number (P=0.08) and the expression level of selected myosin heavy chain genes in the STM (P<0.05) was greater in piglets of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. Pigs from sows supplemented with CAR during gestation had lighter carcasses at slaughter than pigs from non-supplemented sows during gestation (83.8 v 86.7 ± 0.86kg; P<0.05). In conclusion, CAR supplementation during gestation increased litter size at birth without compromising piglet birth-weight. Results also showed that the STM of piglets born to sows supplemented with CAR during gestation was more developed at birth. However, carcass weight at slaughter was reduced in progeny of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. The CAR supplementation strategy applied during gestation in this study could be utilized by commercial pork producers to increase sow litter size and improve offspring muscle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel B Rooney
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - K O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - P Silacci
- Institute for Livestock Sciences, Agroscope, Tioleyre, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - G Bee
- Institute for Livestock Sciences, Agroscope, Tioleyre, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - J V O'Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - P G Lawlor
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
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Rooney HB, O'Driscoll K, O'Doherty JV, Lawlor PG. Effect of l-carnitine supplementation and sugar beet pulp inclusion in gilt gestation diets on gilt live weight, lactation feed intake, and offspring growth from birth to slaughter1. J Anim Sci 2020; 97:4208-4218. [PMID: 31410445 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of l-carnitine (CAR) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) inclusion in gilt gestation diets on gilt live weight, cortisol concentration, lactation feed intake, and lifetime growth of progeny. Eighty-four pregnant gilts (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to a treatment at day 38 of gestation until parturition; Control (0% SBP, 0 g CAR), CAR (0.125 g/d CAR), SBP (40% SBP), and SBP plus CAR (40% SBP, 0.125 g/d CAR). Gilts were weighed and back-fat depth was recorded on day 38, day 90, and day 108 of gestation and at weaning. Gilt saliva samples were collected pre-farrowing and fecal consistency was scored from entry to the farrowing room until day 5 post-partum. The number of piglets born (total, live, and stillborn) and individual birth weight was recorded. Piglet blood glucose concentration was measured 24 h post-partum and pigs were weighed on day 1, day 6, day 14, day 26, day 76, day 110, and day 147 of life. Carcass data were collected at slaughter. There was no interaction between CAR and SBP for any variable measured. The SBP-fed gilts were heavier on day 90 and day 108 of gestation (P < 0.05) and lost more weight during lactation (P < 0.05) than control gilts. They also had a greater fecal consistency score (P < 0.01). Total farrowing duration, piglet birth interval, and lactation feed intakes were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The number of piglets born (total, live, and stillborn) and piglet birth weight was likewise similar between treatments (P > 0.05). Piglets from CAR-fed gilts had lower blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.01), while piglets from SBP-fed gilts had greater blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.01). Piglets from CAR gilts had a lower average daily gain between day 1 and day 6 (P < 0.05) and day 14 and day 26 post-partum (P < 0.05) compared to piglets from control gilts. However, CAR gilts weaned a greater number of pigs (P = 0.07). Live weight and carcass weight at slaughter were heavier for pigs from CAR gilts (P < 0.05) and from SBP gilts (P < 0.05). Pigs from CAR gilts (P < 0.01) and SBP gilts (P < 0.05) had increased carcass muscle depth. In conclusion, no benefit was found from the combined feeding of CAR and SBP. Fed separately, CAR increased the live weight, carcass weight, and muscle depth of progeny at slaughter. Feeding a high SBP diet increased fecal consistency in gilts pre-farrowing and increased live weight and carcass muscle depth of progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel B Rooney
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, and.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, and
| | - John V O'Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peadar G Lawlor
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, and
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Ringseis R, Keller J, Eder K. Basic mechanisms of the regulation of L-carnitine status in monogastrics and efficacy of L-carnitine as a feed additive in pigs and poultry. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2018; 102:1686-1719. [PMID: 29992642 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A great number of studies have investigated the potential of L-carnitine as feed additive to improve performance of different monogastric and ruminant livestock species, with, however, discrepant outcomes. In order to understand the reasons for these discrepant outcomes, it is important to consider the determinants of L-carnitine status and how L-carnitine status is regulated in the animal's body. While it is a long-known fact that L-carnitine is endogenously biosynthesized in certain tissues, it was only recently recognized that critical determinants of L-carnitine status, such as intestinal L-carnitine absorption, tissue L-carnitine uptake, endogenous L-carnitine synthesis and renal L-carnitine reabsorption, are regulated by specific nutrient sensing nuclear receptors. This review aims to give a more in-depth understanding of the basic mechanisms of the regulation of L-carnitine status in monogastrics taking into account the most recent evidence on nutrient sensing nuclear receptors and evaluates the efficacy of L-carnitine as feed additive in monogastric livestock by providing an up-to-date overview about studies with L-carnitine supplementation in pigs and poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ringseis
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Janine Keller
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Klaus Eder
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
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Effects of l-carnitine in the distillers dried grains with solubles diet of sows on reproductive performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. Animal 2018; 13:1448-1457. [PMID: 30466497 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118003105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation because DDGS contain about 10% crude fat, which is largely composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. l-carnitine serves an important function in fatty acids β-oxidation, and also has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of l-carnitine in the DDGS diet of gestating and lactating sows on reproductive performance, milk composition and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. One hundred and twenty sows (Landrace×Large white, mean parity 4.2, initial BW 230 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n=30 sows/treatment). Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial with two levels of dietary DDGS (0 v. 250 g/kg in gestating diets and 400 g/kg in lactating diets) and two levels of dietary l-carnitine (0 v. 100 mg/kg in gestating diets and 0 v. 200 mg/kg in lactating diets). Distillers dried grains with solubles had no significant effect on litter size but significantly reduced the birth weights and weaning weights of piglets (P0.05). Supplementing the diets with l-carnitine had no significant effect of total litter size (P>0.05) but increased the number of piglets born alive and piglets weaned, birth weight and weaning weight of piglets and litter weight at birth and weaning (P<0.05). l-carnitine supplementation also increased the concentration of l-carnitine in milk and l-carnitine status of piglets (P<0.05). The antioxidant enzyme activities of new born and weaning piglets were increased (P<0.05) by maternal dietary l-carnitine but this did not extend to finishing pigs. In conclusion, including DDGS in the sows diet could induce oxidative stress, which may be associated with the reduced individual birth and weaning weight of piglets. Dietary l-carnitine supplementation improved the antioxidant and l-carnitine status of sows, which may be associated with the improved reproduction and piglet performance and the antioxidant status of piglets at birth and weaning. There were no interactions between DDGS and l-carnitine.
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Pirestani A, Aghakhani M. The effects of rumen-protected choline and l-carnitine supplementation in the transition period on reproduction, production, and some metabolic diseases of dairy cattle. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2017.1332632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Pirestani
- Department of Animal Science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
- Transgenesis Center of Excellence, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M. Aghakhani
- Department of Animal Science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
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Effects ofl-carnitine and/or maize distillers dried grains with solubles in diets of gestating and lactating sows on the intestinal barrier functions of their offspring. Br J Nutr 2016; 116:459-69. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114516001951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects ofl-carnitine and/or maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets of gestating and lactating sows on the intestinal barrier functions of their offspring. The experiment was designed as a 2×2 factorial with two dietary treatments (soyabean mealv.DDGS) and twol-carnitine levels (0v.100 mg/kg in gestating diets and 0v.200 mg/kg in lactating diets). Sows (Landrace×Large White) with an average parity of 4·2 with similar body weight were randomly assigned to four groups of thirty each. Dietary supplementation withl-carnitine increased the total superoxide dismutase activity but decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde of the jejunal mucosa in newborn piglets and weaning piglets on day 21. Dietary supplementation withl-carnitine decreased the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-12 and TNF-αin the jejunal mucosa of newborn piglets and decreased the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-αin the jejunal mucosa of weaning piglets on day 21. There was an interaction between dietary treatment andl-carnitine on the bacterial numbers of total eubacteria in the digesta of caecum in weaning piglets on day 21. Bacterial numbers of total eubacteria in weaning piglets on day 21 were significantly increased byl-carnitine only in soyabean meal diet, but there was no significant effect ofl-carnitine in DDGS-based diet. Dietary supplementation withl-carnitine increased the bacterial numbers ofLactobacillusspp. and bifidobacteria spp. in the digesta of caecum in weaning piglets on day 21. Dietary supplementation withl-carnitine in sows affected the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin 1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin) in the jejunal mucosa of their offspring by increasing the expression of ZO-1 mRNA in the jejunal mucosa of newborn piglets, and by increasing the expression of ZO-1 and occludin mRNA in the jejunal mucosa of weaning piglets on day 21. In conclusion, dietary supplementation withl-carnitine in gestating and lactating sows had positive effects on intestinal barrier functions of newborn piglets and weaning piglets on day 21, but it did not have effects on intestinal barrier functions of growing–finishing pigs in the filial generation. There were no effects of dietary treatment of sows on intestinal barrier functions in their offspring.
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Zhu HS, Wang YY, Lin MW, Du JX, Hang LQ, Chen Y, Wang LF. Carnitine and carnitine orotate affect the expression of the prolactin-releasing peptide gene. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2011; 10:3013-9. [PMID: 22180034 DOI: 10.4238/2011.december.6.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Carnitine is involved in fatty acid metabolism in mammals and is widely used as a nutritional supplement; carnitine orotate is a more absorbable form of carnitine. We investigated the effects of carnitine and carnitine orotate on mouse prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA expression. Twenty-four female mice were randomly divided into four groups of six; control mice were orally drenched with physiological saline solution (250 mg/kg body weight) and treatment mice were orally drenched with carnitine (250 mg/kg) or carnitine orotate (250 or 750 mg/kg), once a day, for 20 days from parturition. The carnitine or carnitine orotate was dissolved in saline solution before administration. The hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary were sampled on day 21 after parturition, and PrRP mRNA levels in these tissues were measured by semi-quantitative PCR, with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a control. Expression of PrRP in mice treated with carnitine and carnitine orotate was significantly increased in the ovary and significantly reduced in the pituitary gland. Compared with the control, hypothalamus PrRP mRNA increased significantly in the carnitine and low-dose carnitine orotate groups and decreased significantly in the high-dose carnitine orotate group. We conclude that carnitine and carnitine orotate regulate expression of PrRP in the pituitary gland and ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Zhu
- Key Lab of Regulation on Animal Growth and Development of Agricultural Ministry of China, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
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Lösel D, Kalbe C, Rehfeldt C. L-Carnitine supplementation during suckling intensifies the early postnatal skeletal myofiber formation in piglets of low birth weight1. J Anim Sci 2009; 87:2216-26. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2008-1662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Activities of γ-butyrobetaine dioxygenase and concentrations of carnitine in tissues of pigs. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2009; 153:324-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 03/07/2009] [Accepted: 03/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
In recent years, l-carnitine has been used increasingly as a supplement in livestock animals. The present review gives an overview of the effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on the reproductive performance of sows. Results concerning the effect of l-carnitine supplementation during pregnancy on litter sizes are controversial. There are some studies reporting an increased number of piglets born alive per litter, while others could not find such an effect. In contrast, most studies performed show consistently that l-carnitine supplementation to a sow diet low in native carnitine during gestation increases piglet and litter weights at birth and enhances growth of litters during the suckling period. Biochemical mechanisms underlying the favourable effect of carnitine on intra-uterine growth have not been fully elucidated. There is, however, some evidence that carnitine influences the insulin-like growth factor-axis in sows and leads to greater placentae, which in turn improves intra-uterine nutrition, and stimulates oxidation of glucose in the fetuses. These effects may, at least in part, be responsible for higher birth weights of piglets. The stimulating effect of carnitine on growth of the litters might be due to an improved suckling behaviour of piglets born to l-carnitine-supplemented sows, causing the sows' milk production to rise. In conclusion, recent studies have clearly shown that dietary l-carnitine supplementation increases the reproductive performance of sows. These findings suggest that endogenous de novo synthesis of carnitine is insufficient to meet the metabolic requirement of sows during gestation.
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Brown KR, Goodband RD, Tokach MD, Dritz SS, Nelssen JL, Minton JE, Higgins JJ, Lin X, Odle J, Woodworth JC, Johnson BJ. Effects of feeding l-carnitine to gilts through day 70 of gestation on litter traits and the expression of insulin-like growth factor system components and l-carnitine concentration in foetal tissues. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2008; 92:660-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00762.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Effects of dietary supplementation of l-carnitine on the reproductive performance of sows in production stocks. Livest Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2007.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Doberenz J, Hirche F, Keller U, Eder K. Pivalate lowers litter sizes and weights in female rats independent of its effect on carnitine status. Reprod Toxicol 2007; 24:83-8. [PMID: 17482425 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2007.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 03/04/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated whether treatment of female rats with pivalate affects their reproductive function. Therefore, two experiments with female rats were performed. The first experiment included two groups of rats which received drinking water without (control) or with 20 mmol pivalate/L. The second experiment included a control group (which received drinking water without pivalate and a diet without added carnitine) and four groups which received drinking water with 20 mmol/L pivalate and diets without or with 1, 3 or 5 g added carnitine/kg, respectively. In both experiments, rats treated with pivalate had a lower number of pups born alive and, as a consequence of this, lower litter weights than control rats (p<0.05); pup weights were not altered by pivalate treatment. Supplementation of dietary carnitine in Experiment 2 increased plasma and tissue carnitine concentration even in excess of those in control rats but did not restore normal litter sizes. This study shows for the first time that pivalate affects the reproductive function in female rats independent of its effect on the carnitine status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Doberenz
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-Universiy Halle-Wittenberg, Emil-Abderhaldenstrasse 26, D-06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Birkenfeld C, Kluge H, Eder K. L-carnitine supplementation of sows during pregnancy improves the suckling behaviour of their offspring. Br J Nutr 2006; 96:334-42. [PMID: 16923228 DOI: 10.1079/bjn20061833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that L-carnitine supplementation of sows increases their milk production and the postnatal growth of the suckling piglets. To test the hypothesis that this effect is due to an improved suckling behaviour of the piglets, two experiments with sows were performed. Two groups of thirteen or ten sows each (in experiments 1 and 2, respectively) were fed diets with or without supplemental L-carnitine during pregnancy (125 mg/d) and lactation (250 mg/d). After birth, the litters of all sows were standardised to equal sizes of eleven and nine piglets per litter in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In experiment 1, the piglets of L-carnitine-supplemented sows had a higher total suckling time per day on days 3, 6 and 9, and greater weight gains during the suckling period, than the piglets of control sows (P<0.05). In experiment 2, all litters were taken away from their mothers and switched to other sows. Half of the control sows and half of the L-carnitine-supplemented sows were given litters born to control sows, the other half of each group being given litters born to L-carnitine-supplemented sows. Piglets born to L-carnitine-supplemented sows had a higher total suckling time per day on day 3 and greater body weight gains during the first 14 d compared with piglets born to control sows (P<0.05). This study shows that piglets born to sows supplemented with L-carnitine are able to suckle for longer, which enables them to obtain more milk and grow faster than piglets born to control sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Birkenfeld
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Emil-Abderhalden-Strasse 26, D-06108 Halle/Saale, Germany
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Birkenfeld C, Kluge H, Eder K. Nutrient composition and concentrations of immunoglobulins in milk of sows supplemented with L-carnitine. Arch Anim Nutr 2006; 60:333-40. [PMID: 16921930 DOI: 10.1080/17450390600785590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation of sows increases growth of their piglets during the suckling period. In this study, the composition of the milk of sows supplemented with L-carnitine was determined to find out whether an altered milk composition could account for the increased growth rates of the piglets. Milk of 13 control sows and 14 sows supplemented with L-carnitine (125 mg/d during pregnancy, 250 mg/d during lactation) was collected 5-8 h after birth (colostrum) and on days 10 and 20 of lactation. Concentrations of fat and lactose and the energy content in milk at day 10 and 20 did not differ between both groups of sows. Sows supplemented with L-carnitine had a higher concentration of protein in colostrum (p < 0.05) while concentrations of fat, lactose, immunoglobulins G, M and A as well as the energy content in colostrum did not differ between both groups of sows. These findings show that milk composition does not play a major role for the increased postnatal growth of piglets from sows supplemented with L-carnitine observed in recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Birkenfeld
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
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