Effects of L-carnitine on fetal growth and the insulin-like growth factor system in pigs (2003)

Authors

A T. Waylan
B J. Johnson
J P. Kayser
D P. Gnad
J D. Dunn
E K. Sissom
James J. Higgins
J C. Woodworth

Keywords

Swine day, 2003; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 920; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 04-120-S; Sows; Carnitine; Insulin-like growth factor; Swine

Abstract

Twelve sows were used to examine the effects of feeding L-carnitine from artificial insemination to mid-gestation on maternal circulating IGF-I and carnitine concentrations and fetal growth. Supplementing L-carnitine did not influence the serum concentration of IGF-I. However, sows that were fed carnitine had increased circulating plasma free carnitine. Litters from sows fed L-carnitine were heavier and had more fetuses. The increase in litter fetus number was not detrimental to other growth traits such as individual fetal weight or crown to rump length. Our study suggests that feeding L-carnitine to gestating sows is beneficial for fetal growth and development.; Swine Day, 2003, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 2003

Recommended Citation

Waylan, A T.; Johnson, B J.; Kayser, J P.; Gnad, D P.; Dunn, J D.; Sissom, E K.; Higgins, James J.; and Woodworth, J C. (2003) "Effects of L-carnitine on fetal growth and the insulin-like growth factor system in pigs (2003)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 10. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.6826