Intrauterine growth restriction alters nutrient metabolism in the intestine of porcine offspring

Intrauterine growth restriction defined by increased brain-to-liver weight ratio affects postnatal growth and protein efficiency in pigs

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to impaired foetal growth during gestation, resulting in permanent stunting effects on the offspring. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IUGR on growth performance, body composition, blood metabolites, and meat quality of pigs from birth (n = 268) to slaughter (n = 93). IUGR piglets have prioritised brain development as a foetal adaptive reaction to placental insufficiency. This survival mechanism results in a higher brain-to-liver weight ratio (BrW/LW). One day (±1) after birth, computed tomography (CT) was performed on each piglet to assess their brain and liver weights. A threshold value of 0.78 (mean + SD) was chosen to divide the piglets into two categories - NORM (BrW/LW < 0.78) and IUGR (BrW/LW > 0.78). Moreover, each piglet was classified as either normal (score 1), mild IUGR (score 2), or severe IUGR (score 3) based on the head morphology. BW was recorded weekly, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for lactation, starter, grower, and finisher periods. Body composition was assessed after weaning (29.6 ± 0.7 d), at 20 kg (64 ± 7.2 d), 100 kg (165 ± 12.3 d), and on the carcasses using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Content and deposition rates of single nutrients, as well as energy and CP efficiency, were measured at 20 and 100 kg. Feed intake was recorded from 20 kg to slaughter. Meat quality was assessed on the carcasses. A total of 70% of the piglets assigned a score of 3 were NORM according to their BrW/LW. The IUGR category showed a lower ADG in the lactation (P < 0.01), starter (P = 0.07), and grower phases (P < 0.05) and a reduced CP efficiency in the grower-finisher period (P < 0.01) compared to the NORM group. IUGR pigs had a lower gain-to-feed ratio in the finisher period (P = 0.01) despite similar average daily feed intake, and they required more days (P < 0.01) to reach the slaughter weight. Additionally, their meat was darker (P = 0.01) than that of NORM pigs. The BrW/LW was inversely proportional to the ADG from birth to slaughter and negatively correlated with the CP deposition rate and efficiency in the grower-finisher period (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the higher the BrW/LW, the longer it took the pigs to reach the slaughter weight (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the identification of IUGR piglets based on the head morphology does not always agree with an increased BrW/LW. IUGR affects growth performance from birth to slaughter, CP efficiency in the grower-finisher period and meat quality.

tRNA-derived small RNA dataset in multiple organs of intrauterine growth-restricted pig

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) impairs neonatal weight and causes multiple organ dysplasia. IUGR not only threatens human health but is also a significant constraint to the development of animal husbandry. However, the molecular mechanism underlying IUGR remains to be further elucidated. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNAs) is a regulative non-coding RNA, which has recently been reported to correlate with the onset and progression of several diseases. In this study, we investigated the tsRNAs expression profiles of IUGR pigs. A tsRNAs dataset for multiple organs in normal and IUGR pigs was generated, including muscle, liver, spleen and intestine. We further analyzed the characteristics of tsRNAs in different organs of pigs, and KEGG pathway analysis was performed to investigate possible pathways involved. This dataset will provide valuable information for further exploring the molecular mechanism of IUGR formation.

Four Markers Useful for the Distinction of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Sheep

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common perinatal complication in animal reproduction, with long-lasting negative effects on neonates and postnatal animals, which seriously negatively affects livestock production. In this study, we aimed to identify potential genes associated with the diagnosis of IUGR through bioinformatics analysis. Based on the 73 differentially expressed related genes obtained by differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we used three machine learning algorithms to identify 4 IUGR-related hub genes (IUGR-HGs), namely, ADAM9, CRYL1, NDP52, and SERPINA7, whose ROC curves showed that they are a good diagnostic target for IUGR. Next, we identified two molecular subtypes of IUGR through consensus clustering analysis and constructed a gene scoring system based on the IUGR-HGs. The results showed that the IUGR score was positively correlated with the risk of IUGR. The AUC value of IUGR scoring accuracy was 0.970. Finally, we constructed a new artificial neural network model based on the four IUGR-HGs to diagnose sheep IUGR, and its accuracy reached 0.956. In conclusion, the IUGR-HGs we identified provide new potential molecular markers and models for the diagnosis of IUGR in sheep; they can better diagnose whether sheep have IUGR. The present findings provide new perspectives on the diagnosis of IUGR.

DUOX2-Induced Oxidative Stress Inhibits Intestinal Angiogenesis through MMP3 in a Low-Birth-Weight Piglet Model

Intestinal vessels play a critical role in nutrient absorption, whereas the effect and mechanism of low birth weight (LBW) on its formation remain unclear. Here, twenty newborn piglets were assigned to the control (CON) group (1162 ± 98 g) and LBW group (724 ± 31 g) according to their birth weight. Results showed that the villus height and the activity of maltase in the jejunum were lower in the LBW group than in the CON group. LBW group exhibited a higher oxidative stress level and impaired mitochondrial function in the jejunum and was lower than the CON group in the intestinal vascular density. To investigate the role of oxidative stress in intestinal angiogenesis, H2O2 was employed to induce oxidative stress in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). The results showed that the conditioned media from IPEC-J2 with H2O2 treatment decreased the angiogenesis of porcine vascular endothelial cells (PVEC). Transcriptome analysis revealed that a higher expression level of dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) was found in the intestine of LBW piglets. Knockdown of DUOX2 in IPEC-J2 increased the proliferation and decreased the oxidative stress level. In addition, conditioned media from IPEC-J2 with DUOX2-knockdown was demonstrated to promote the angiogenesis of PVEC. Mechanistically, the knockdown of DUOX2 decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, thus increasing the angiogenesis in a matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) dependent manner. Conclusively, our results indicated that DUOX2-induced oxidative stress inhibited intestinal angiogenesis through MMP3 in a LBW piglet model.

Dietary bile acid supplementation in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation improves colonic microbiota, metabolic activity, and epithelial function

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is one of the major constraints in animal production. Our previous study showed that piglets with IUGR are associated with abnormal bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study explored whether dietary BA supplementation could improve growth performance and colonic development, function, microbiota, and metabolites in the normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (24 IUGR and 24 NBW) were allocated to four groups (12 piglets per group): (i) NBW group, (ii) NBW + BA group, (iii) IUGR group, and (iv) IUGR + BA group. Samples were collected after 28 days of feeding.

RESULTS

The results showed that dietary BA supplementation increased the length and weight of the colon and colon weight to body weight ratio, while decreased the plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) concentration in the NBW piglets (P < 0.05). Dietary BA supplementation to IUGR piglets decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma concentrations of D-lactate and endotoxin and colonic DAO and endotoxin, suggesting a beneficial effect on epithelial integrity. Moreover, dietary BA supplementation to NBW and IUGR piglets increased Firmicutes abundance and decreased Bacteroidetes abundance (P < 0.05), whereas Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in the colon. Metabolome analysis revealed 65 and 51 differential metabolites in the colon of piglets fed a diet with/without BA, respectively, which was associated with the colonic function of IUGR piglets. Furthermore, dietary BA supplementation to IUGR piglets upregulated the expressions of CAT, GPX, SOD, Nrf1, IL-2, and IFN-γ in colonic mucosa (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, dietary BA supplementation could improve the colonic function of IUGR piglets, which was associated with increasing proportions of potentially beneficial bacteria and metabolites. Furthermore, BA shows a promising application prospect in improving the intestinal ecosystem and health of animals.

Amylopectin Partially Substituted by Cellulose in the Hindgut Was Beneficial to Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production and Probiotic Colonization

Undigested amylopectin fermentation in the hindguts of humans and pigs with low digestive capacity has been proven to be a low-efficiency method of energy supply. In this study, we researched the effects and mechanisms of amylopectin fermentation on hindgut microbiota and metabolite production using an in vitro fermentation trial and ileal infusion pigs model. In addition, we also researched the effects of interaction between amylopectin and cellulose during hindgut fermentation in this study. Our results showed that amylopectin had higher short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and dry matter digestibility (DMD) than cellulose but was not significantly different from a mixture of amylopectin and cellulose (Amycel vitro) during in vitro fermentation. The Amycel vitro group even had the highest reducing sugar content and amylase activity among all groups. The ileal infusion trial produced similar results to vitro fermentation trial: the mixture of amylopectin and cellulose infusion (Amycel vivo) significantly increased the levels of reducing sugar, acetate, and butyrate in the hindgut compared with the amylopectin infusion (Amy vivo). The mixture of amylopectin and cellulose infusion also resulted in increased Shannon index and probiotic colonization in the hindgut. The relative abundance of Romboutsia in the Amycel vivo group, which was considered a noxious bacteria in the Amycel vivo group, was also significantly lower than that in the Amy vivo group. In summary, the high level of amylopectin fermentation in the hindgut was harmful to intestinal microbiota, but amylopectin partially substituted with cellulose was beneficial to SCFA production and probiotic colonization. IMPORTANCE A high-starch (mainly amylopectin) diet is usually accompanied by the fermentation of undigested amylopectin in the hindgut of humans and pigs with low digestive capacity and might be detrimental to the intestinal microbiota. In this research, we investigated the fermentation characteristics of amylopectin through an in vitro fermentation method and used an ileal infusion pig model to verify the fermentation trial results and explore the microbiota regulatory effect. The interaction effects between amylopectin and cellulose during hindgut fermentation were also researched in this study. Our research revealed that the large amount of amylopectin fermentation in the hindgut was detrimental to the intestinal microbiota. Amylopectin partially substituted by cellulose was not only beneficial to antioxidant ability and fermentation efficiency, but also promoted SCFA production and probiotic colonization in the hindgut. These findings provide new strategies to prevent intestinal microbiota dysbiosis caused by amylopectin fermentation.

Effects of Equol Supplementation on Growth Performance, Redox Status, Intestinal Health and Skeletal Muscle Development of Weanling Piglets with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Animals with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) usually undergo injured postnatal growth and development during the early period after birth. Equol (Eq), an isoflavan produced by gut bacteria in response to daidzein intake, has various health benefits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether Eq supplementation can influence the growth performance, redox status, intestinal health and skeletal muscle development of weanling piglets with IUGR. A total of 10 normal-birth-weight (NBW) newborn female piglets and 20 newborn female piglets with IUGR were selected. After weaning at the age of 21 d, 10 NBW piglets and 10 IUGR piglets were allocated to the NBW group and IUGR group, respectively, and offered a basal diet. The other 10 IUGR piglets were allocated to the IUGR + Eq group and offered a basal diet with 50 mg of Eq per kg of diet. The whole trial lasted for 21 d. At the end of the feeding trial, all piglets were sacrificed for the collection of serum, intestinal tissues and skeletal muscles. Supplementation with Eq increased the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C), jejunal villus height and V/C, but reduced the duodenal crypt depth in neonatal piglets with IUGR. Meanwhile, Eq supplementation elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the serum and duodenum and the activity of SOD in the jejunum, but lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum, jejunum and ileum of piglets with IUGR. In addition, supplementation with Eq reduced diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and the levels of D-lactate and endotoxin in serum, and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in jejunum and ileum, whereas the concentration of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the mRNA levels of intestinal barrier-related markers in jejunum and ileum of IUGR piglets were increased. Furthermore, supplementation with Eq elevated the percentage of fast-fibers and was accompanied with higher mRNA expression of myosin heavy chain IIb (MyHC IIb) and lower mRNA levels in MyHC I in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of IUGR piglets. In summary, Eq supplementation can promote antioxidant capacity, maintain intestinal health and facilitate skeletal muscle development, thus resulting in the higher growth performance of IUGR piglets.

Intrauterine growth retardation affects liver bile acid metabolism in growing pigs: effects associated with the changes of colonic bile acid derivatives

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with severely impaired nutrient metabolism and intestinal development of pigs. Our previous study found that IUGR altered intestinal microbiota and metabolites in the colon. However, the consequences of IUGR on bile acid metabolism in pigs remained unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the bile acid metabolism in the liver and the profile of bile acid derivatives in the colon of growing pigs with IUGR using bile acid targeted metabolomics. Furthermore, we determined correlations between colonic microbiota composition and metabolites of IUGR and normal birth weight (NBW) pigs at different growth stages that were 7, 21, and 28-day-old, and the average body weight (BW) of 25, 50, and 100 kg of the NBW pigs.

RESULTS

The results showed that the plasma total bile acid concentration was higher (P < 0.05) at the 25 kg BW stage and tended to increase (P = 0.08) at 28-day-old in IUGR pigs. The hepatic gene expressions related to bile acid synthesis (CYP7A1, CYP27A1, and NTCP) were up-regulated (P < 0.05), and the genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism (ATGL, HSL, and PC) were down-regulated (P < 0.05) at the 25 kg BW stage in IUGR pigs when compared with the NBW group. Targeted metabolomics analysis showed that 29 bile acids and related compounds were detected in the colon of pigs. The colonic concentrations of dehydrolithocholic acid and apocholic acid were increased (P < 0.05), while isodeoxycholic acid and 6,7-diketolithocholic acid were decreased (P < 0.05) in IUGR pigs, when compared with the NBW pigs at the 25 kg BW stage. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that colonic Unclassified_[Mogibacteriaceae], Lachnospira, and Slackia abundances were negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with dehydrolithocholic acid, as well as the Unclassified_Clostridiaceae abundance with 6,7-diketolithocholic acid at the 25 kg BW stage.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that IUGR could affect bile acid and glucolipid metabolism in growing pigs, especially at the 25 kg BW stage, these effects being paralleled by a modification of bile acid derivatives concentrations in the colonic content. The plausible links between these modified parameters are discussed.

Dietary dimethylglycine sodium salt supplementation alleviates redox status imbalance and intestinal dysfunction in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth restriction

There are few studies on the mechanism of redox status imbalance and intestinal dysfunction in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) newborn piglets. Here, we investigated the mechanism of jejunum dysfunction in weaned piglets with IUGR and the mechanism through which dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) supplementation improving the imbalance of their redox status. In this work, a total of 10 normal birth weight (NBW) newborn piglets and 20 IUGR newborn piglets were obtained. After weaning at 21 d, they were assigned to 3 groups (n = 10/group): NBW weaned piglets fed standard basal diets (NBWC); one IUGR weaned piglets fed standard basal diets (IUGRC); another IUGR weaned piglets from the same litter fed standard basal diets plus 0.1% DMG-Na (IUGRD). The piglets in these 3 groups were sacrificed at 49 d of age, and the blood and jejunum samples were collected immediately. The growth performance values in the IUGRC group were lower (P < 0.05) than those in the NBWC group. Jejunum histomorphological parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and digestive enzyme activity as well as serum immunoglobulin were lower (P < 0.05) in the IUGRC group than those in the NBWC group. Compared with these in the NBWC group, the redox status of serum, jejunum, and mitochondria and the expression levels of jejunum redox status-related, cell adhesion-related, and mitochondrial function-related genes and proteins were suppressed in the IUGRC group (P < 0.05). However, compared with those in the IUGRC group, the growth performance values, jejunum histomorphological parameters, inflammatory cytokines, digestive enzyme activity, serum immunoglobulin, redox status of serum, jejunum, and mitochondria, and the expression levels of jejunum redox status-related, cell adhesion-related, and mitochondrial function-related genes and proteins were improved (P < 0.05) in the IUGRD group. In conclusion, dietary DMG-Na supplementation alleviates redox status imbalance and intestinal dysfunction in IUGR weaned piglets mainly by activating the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1α (PGC1α) pathway, thereby improving their unfavorable body state.

Intrauterine growth restriction and its impact on intestinal morphophysiology throughout postnatal development in pigs

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) compromises fetal development, leading to low birth weight, and predisposes to gastrointestinal disorders. Pigs that suffered IUGR present poor postnatal development, resulting in great economic losses to the industry. The small intestine may be involved with impaired development, but studies investigating this issue are still limited. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate small intestine morphofunctional alterations in IUGR pigs throughout the production phases (birth to 150 days). IUGR pigs presented lower body weight from birth to the finishing phase (P < 0.05). Although histomorphometrical parameters were not affected during the pre-weaning period, their commitment was observed specifically in the duodenum of the IUGR group at older ages (P < 0.05). The most detrimental effects on the small intestine, such as deeper duodenum crypts’ depth, lower villus height:crypt depth ratio and absorptive area, increased apoptosis and lower proliferation of the duodenum epithelium were noticed at 70 days of age (P < 0.05). Additionally, IUGR pigs presented the lowest chymotrypsin and amylase activities at 70 and 150 days of age, respectively (P < 0.05). These findings may contribute to the elucidation of morphofunctional disorders of the small intestine in IUGR pigs throughout the different production phases, suggesting that poor postnatal development may be due to intestinal damage.

Gut microbial profiles and the role in lipid metabolism in Shaziling pigs

Shaziling pig, a Chinese indigenous breed, has been classified as a fatty pig model. However, the gut microbial development and role in lipid metabolism in Shaziling pigs has been rarely reported. Here, we compared the lipid metabolic and microbial profiles at 30, 60, 90, 150, 210, and 300 d of age between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs. Predictably, there were marked differences in the liver lipids (i.e., cholesterol, glucose, and low-density lipoprotein) and the lipid related expressions (i.e., SREBP1/2, LXRα/β, DGAT1/2, and FABP1-3) between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs. Bacteria sequencing in the ileal digesta and mucosa showed that Shaziling pigs had a higher α-diversity and higher abundances of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Clostridium butyricum. Thirty-five differentiated metabolites were further identified in the mucosa between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs, which were enriched in the carbohydrate, protein, glucose and amino acid metabolism and bile acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, 7 differentiated microbial species were markedly correlated with metabolites, indicating the role of gut microbiota in the host metabolism. Next, the role of differentiated L. johnsonii in lipid metabolism was validated in Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs and the results showed that L. johnsonii mono-colonization promoted lipid deposition and metabolism by altering gut microbiota (i.e., Megasphaera elsdenii and L. johnsonii) and DGAT1/DGAT2/CD 36-PPAR γ gene expressions. In conclusion, Shaziling pigs exhibited different metabolic and microbial profiles compared with Yorkshire pigs, which might have contributed to the diverse metabolic phenotypes, and the significant enrichment of L. johnsonii in Shaziling pigs promoted lipid metabolism and obesity of DLY pigs, which provided a novel idea to improve the fat content of lean pigs.

Short Communication: Body weight of newborn and suckling piglets affects their intestinal gene expression

Modern hyperprolific sows must deal with large litters (16–20 piglets) which reduce piglet birthweight with a concomitant increase in the proportion of small and intrauterine growth retarded piglets. However, larger litters do not only have a greater variation of piglet weights, but also a greater variation in colostrum and milk consumption within the litter. To further understand the impact that body weight has on piglets, the present study aimed to evaluate the degree of physiological weakness of the smallest piglets at birth and during the suckling period (20 d) compared to their middle-weight littermates through their jejunal gene expression. At birth, light piglets showed a downregulation of genes related to immune response (FAXDC2, HSPB1, PPARGC1α), antioxidant enzymes (SOD2m), digestive enzymes (ANPEP, IDO1, SI), and nutrient transporter (SLC39A4) (P < 0.05) but also a tendency for a higher mRNA expression of GBP1 (inflammatory regulator) and HSD11β1 (stress hormone) genes compared to their heavier littermates (P < 0.10). Excluding HSD11β1 gene, all these intestinal gene expression differences initially observed at birth between light and middle-weight piglets were stabilized at the end of the suckling period, when others appeared. Genes involved in barrier function (CLDN1), pro-inflammatory response (CXCL2, IL6, IDO1), and stress hormone signaling (HSD11β1) over-expressed compared to their middle-weight littermates (P < 0.05). In conclusion, at birth and at the end of suckling period, light body weight piglets seem to have a compromised gene expression and therefore impaired nutrient absorption, immune and stress responses compared to their heavier littermates.

Curcumin and Intestinal Oxidative Stress of Pigs With Intrauterine Growth Retardation: A Review

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the slow growth and development of a mammalian embryo/fetus or fetal organs during pregnancy, which is popular in swine production and causes considerable economic losses. Nutritional strategies have been reported to improve the health status and growth performance of IUGR piglets, among which dietary curcumin supplementation is an efficient alternative. Curcumin is a natural lipophilic polyphenol derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa with many biological activities. It has been demonstrated that curcumin promotes intestinal development and alleviates intestinal oxidative damage. However, due to its low bioavailability caused by poor solubility, chemical instability, and rapid degradation, the application of curcumin in animal production is rare. In this manuscript, the structural-activity relationship to enhance the bioavailability, and the nutritional effects of curcumin on intestinal health from the aspect of protecting piglets from IUGR associated intestinal oxidative damage were summarized to provide new insight into the application of curcumin in animal production.

Effects of oral glutamine supplementation on jejunal morphology, development, and amino acid profiles in male low birth weight suckling piglets

Background

It has been shown that small intestine development in low birth weight (LBW) piglets is impaired. Glutamine (Gln) has been reported to improve piglet health and intestinal function in weaned piglets, but data is scarce in suckling piglets. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of oral Gln supplementation compared to Alanine (Ala) on jejunal development and function in 5 and 12 d old male LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) suckling piglets.

Results

Gln had no effect on the jejunal morphology, development, tissue and digesta amino acid profiles and mRNA abundance of genes involved in amino acid transport, metabolism, glutathione synthesis in LBW piglets when compared to Ala supplementation and birth weight controls at 5 and 12 d. Only the concentration of Gln in jejunal tissue was higher in NBW piglets supplemented with Gln compared to Ala at 5 d (P < 0.05). A comparison of the birth weight groups showed no differences between LBW and NBW piglets at 5 and 12 d in any parameter. Jejunal crypt depth, villus height / width, tunica muscularis thickness, number of goblet and IgA positive cells, the ratio of jejunal RNA to DNA and the concentration of DNA, protein and RNA changed (P < 0.05) from 5 compared to 12 d. The concentrations of several free, and protein bound amino acids as well as amino metabolites differed between age groups in jejunal tissue but the digesta concentrations were affected to a lesser extent.

Conclusions

Oral Gln supplementation to suckling male piglets over the first 12 d of life was not associated with changes in jejunal parameters measured in this study. The absence of effects may indicate that Gln is absorbed as well as metabolized in the upper intestinal tract and thus could benefit intestinal development at a more proximal location.

Brain lipidomics and neurodevelopmental outcomes in intrauterine growth restricted piglets fed dairy or vegetable fat diets

Breast milk has neurodevelopmental advantages compared to infant formula, especially in low-birth-weight infants, which may in part relate to the fat source. This study compared neurodevelopmental outcomes in three-day-old normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets fed a formula diet with either vegetable oil (VEG) or bovine milk fat sources (MILK) for three weeks in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Behavioural tests, lipidomics, MRI and RNA sequencing analyses of plasma and brain tissue were conducted. The absolute levels of 82% and 11% of lipid molecules were different between dietary groups in plasma and hippocampus, respectively. Of the lipid molecules with differential abundance in the hippocampus, the majority were upregulated in MILK versus VEG, and they mainly belonged to the group of glycerophospholipids. Lower absolute brain weights, absolute grey and white matter volumes and behaviour and motor function scores, and higher relative total brain weights were present in IUGR compared to NBW with minor influence of diet. Cognitive function and cerebellar gene expression profiles were similar for dietary and weight groups, and overall only minor interactive effects between diet and birth weight were observed. Overall, we show that the dietary fat source influences the plasma and to a lesser degree the hippocampal lipidome and is unable to improve on IUGR-induced brain structural and functional impairments.