316. MATERNAL DIETARY ARGININE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING LATE GESTATION IMPROVES REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN PIGS

Abstract

Arginine (a non-essential amino acid) and its conversion to nitric oxide (NO) can promote formation of new blood vessels and cause vasodilation. This may reduce resistance and increase blood flow to the uterus and placenta, and the delivery of nutrients for fetal growth and survival. In pregnant rats, dietary arginine deficiency causes IUGR and increases fetal death and perinatal mortality, whereas dietary arginine supplementation reverses this. Human IUGR is associated with impaired NO synthesis, and eNOS activity in umbilical vein endothelial cells, but maternal arginine supplements have produced inconclusive results. We hypothesised that maternal arginine supplementation (MAS) in the pig (a species with naturally occurring IUGR), during late gestation, when placental angiogenesis and vascularity increase, would increase birth and placental weights. Large White (LW) and Landrace (LR) gilts (n = 285) and sows (n = 326), were fed either a control or arginine supplemented (+25 g/d arginine, Nutreco Progenos premix) diet (2.5 kg/d) in late gestation (d75-term at ~114 days). Number born, born alive, still born and mummified, birth weight and d10 weight of progeny were measured. Data were analysed using Univariate ANOVA. MAS in late gestation in gilts and sows reduced the number of still born (Con: 1.17 ± 0.13 piglets/litter; Arg: 0.84 ± 0.09 piglets/litter; P = 0.046). In LW gilts, MAS increased birth weight (Con: 1.21 ± 0.05kg; Arg: 1.34 ± 0.05kg; P < 0.05), and litter birth weight (Con: 13.38 ± 0.72 kg; Arg: 15.27 ± 0.73 kg; P < 0.05). MAS also increased birth weight in LW (Con: 1.17 ± 0.06 kg; Arg: 1.30 ± 0.06 kg; P < 0.05) and LR (Con: 1.47 ± 0.05 kg; Arg: 1.60 ± 0.05 kg; P < 0.05) sows, and reduced still borns in LW sows (Con: 1.12 ± 0.14 piglets/litter; Arg: 0.77 ± 0.09 piglets/litter; P < 0.05). MAS in late gestation improves pregnancy outcomes in terms of piglet survival and birth weight, in LW and LR gilts and sows. MAS during critical periods of placental development may enhance placental-fetal blood flow and nutrient transfer, thereby improving fetal growth and survival.