Abstract
A description of physiological and biochemical parameters in suckling piglets is important for identifying suitable management methods according to current realities of commercial swine management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure plasma glucose and urea levels in suckling piglets on the first days of life. To accomplish this, 30 male newborn piglets born to 10 sows were used as the experimental model. The animals were weighed on days of life 1 (newborn), 7, 14, and 21, and blood samples were collected to measure plasma levels of glucose and urea. Plasma glucose levels increased over time, while plasma urea levels decreased over time. During the first days of life, suckling piglets use amino acids as sources of energy, increasing plasma urea levels. However, glucose levels at birth depend on biochemical conditions of the mother as well as transfer of nutrients during gestation.
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We thank the CAPES and CNPq.
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This experiment was approved by the Animal Welfare Committee of the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC), protocol number 4182200317.
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Dazuk, V., Rocha Gebert, R., dos Reis, J.H. et al. Glucose and urea levels in suckling piglets. Comp Clin Pathol 28, 567–569 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-019-02893-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-019-02893-3