Abstract:

【Objective】 The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of maternal protein restriction during lactation on serum lipids, intramuscular fat and H-FABP mRNA expression in the offspring. 【Method】 Twelve (6 Landrace and 6 Min pig) multi-parity sows with an average body weight of 180±5 kg were chosen for experiment, and they were purely mated to Landrace or Min pig boars at identical estrus date respectively. Sows were allotted into two groups, with three replicates each consisting of one sow. All sows fed with a same composition diet in gestation, received a diet of either 18% or 9% protein during lactation. The serum lipids level, intramuscular fat content and H-FABP mRNA expression of longissimus muscle was determined in 28 d and 180 d offspring. 【Result】 The result showed that the serum CHO was significantly increased in protein restricted group of Landrace offspring at 28 d (P＜0.05), but no obvious differences were found in 180 d pigs. No significant difference was presented in 28 d and 180 d offspring of Landrace, although there was a tendency of increase in the serum TG and LDL, and decrease in the HDL. The serum CHO, TG and LDL of protein restricted group was increased and the HDL was decreased compared to that of the control group, but no significant effect was found in 28 d and 180 d offspring of Min pig. The content of intramuscular fat and H-FABP mRNA expression in longissimus muscle was significantly increased in protein restricted group of Landrace offspring at 28 d (P＜0.05), but no significant difference was observed in 180 d pigs. Maternal protein restriction during lactation presented a tendency to increase in the content of intramuscular fat and H-FABP mRNA expression in 28 d and 180 d offspring of Min pig, however, the influence was not significant. 【Conclusion】 The results indicated that there was a difference in influence of maternal protein restriction on fat deposition in the offspring. The effect was decreased with the prolongation of time. The maternal effect showed some difference between breeds.

Key words: sows')">sows, protein restriction, filial pigs, serum lipids, intramuscular fat, H-FABP