Genotype and fetal size affect maternal–fetal amino acid status and fetal endocrinology in Large White × Landrace and Meishan pigs
Cheryl J. Ashworth A B C , Margaret O. Nwagwu B and Harry J. McArdle B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK.
B The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.
C Corresponding author. Email: cheryl.ashworth@roslin.ed.ac.uk
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 25(2) 439-445 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD12024
Submitted: 3 February 2012 Accepted: 5 April 2012 Published: 24 May 2012
Abstract
This study compared maternal plasma amino acid concentrations, placental protein secretion in vitro and fetal body composition and plasma amino acid and hormone concentrations in feto–placental units from the smallest and a normally-sized fetus carried by Large White × Landrace or Meishan gilts on Day 100 of pregnancy. Compared with Large White × Landrace, Meishan placental tissue secreted more protein and Meishan fetuses contained relatively more fat and protein, but less moisture. Fetal plasma concentrations of insulin, triiodothryonine, thyroxine and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II were higher in Meishan than Large White × Landrace fetuses. In both breeds, fetal cortisol concentrations were inversely related to fetal size, whereas concentrations of IGF-I were higher in average-sized fetuses. Concentrations of 10 amino acids were higher in Large White × Landrace than Meishan gilts, while glutamine concentrations were higher in Meishan gilts. Concentrations of alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and threonine were higher in Meishan than Large White × Landrace fetuses. Average-sized fetuses had higher concentrations of asparagine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tyrosine and valine than the smallest fetus. This study revealed novel genotype and fetal size differences in porcine maternal–fetal amino acid status and fetal hormone and metabolite concentrations.
Additional keywords: breed, feto-placental, hormones, pregnancy.
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