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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 18(3)

Nutritional restriction in lactating primiparous sows selectively affects female embryo survival and overall litter development

M. D. Vinsky A , S. Novak A , W. T. Dixon A , M. K. Dyck A and G. R. Foxcroft A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Swine Research and Technology Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada.

B Corresponding author. Email: george.foxcroft@ualberta.ca

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 18(3) 347-355 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD05142
Submitted: 27 October 2005  Accepted: 7 December 2005   Published: 27 January 2006

Abstract

This study explored the possibility of sex-specific effects on embryonic survival in primiparous sows subjected to restricted feed intake during the last week of lactation and bred after weaning (Restrict; n = 16), compared with control sows fed close to ad libitum feed intakes (Control; n = 17). Restrict sows were in a substantial negative net energy balance at weaning, and lost 13% of estimated protein and 17% of fat mass during lactation, yet the weaning-to-oestrous interval and ovulation rate were not different between treatments. However, embryonic survival at Day 30 of gestation was lower (P < 0.05) in Restrict than Control sows, and selectively reduced the proportion of female embryos surviving (P < 0.01). A decrease in weight and crown–rump length of surviving female (P < 0.05) and male (P < 0.05) embryos was seen in Restrict litters. The mechanisms mediating this sex-specific effect on embryonic loss in feed-restricted sows are unclear. The data presented here indicate that feed-restriction during the last week of lactation in primiparous sows causes a selective decrease in survival of female embryos and limits the growth of all surviving embryos.

Extra keywords: catabolism, imprinting, pig, sex ratio.


Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge Pamela Zimmerman, Jenny Patterson, Kimberly Williams, and the staff of the University of Alberta Swine Research Technology Center for their dedication in maintenance and care of the experimental animals and Dr Peter Blenis for help with the statistical analysis. Support for this work was received from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Alberta Agricultural Research Institute, the Alberta Pork and Genex Swine Group and through appointment of Dr George Foxcroft to a Canada Research Chair in Swine Reproductive Physiology.


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