Interpretive Summary: Serum metabolomic characterization in pigs in relation to birth weight category and neonatal nutrition

By: Michael O Wellington, Lucas A Rodrigues, Melissa A Quinn, Josiane C Panisson, David P Ferguson, Daniel A Columbus

The objective of this study was to characterize developmental differences in low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets with or without pre-weaning nutrient restriction using serum metabolomic profile analysis. Through the serum metabolite analysis, at weaning, we saw fewer metabolites associated with fatty acid oxidation, and glycolysis in the LBW pigs compared to the NBW, which suggests poor fatty acid and glucose metabolism in these piglets. After weaning, fatty acid metabolism is restored in both LBW and NBW piglets, but glucose and lactate levels remained lower in the LBW piglets, which may be indicative of impairment in glucose tolerance post-weaning. Therefore, in LBW piglets, poor metabolism of glucose at weaning could not be curtailed with nutrition intervention post-weaning.