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Diets for gilts with high inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acids may increase plasma concentrations of leptin, fat reserves and body weight; therefore with a possible benefit for reproductive performance. This study evaluated metabolic and reproductive parameters of prepubertal finishing gilts fed with fish oil as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids (6.88 g/d; n = 12) over a period of 45 d. Gilts in the control group were fed soybean oil (n = 13). Body weight and backfat were determined at 15-d intervals. Serum levels of leptin, IGF-1, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at the beginning (D0) and at the end of the period (D45). Immunolabeling intensity for leptin and its receptor (ObRb) was assessed in oocytes of preantral follicles.
Gilts fed omega-3 presented slightly heavier uteri than control gilts, but there was no effect on body weight and backfat. Cholesterol serum levels tended to be lower at D45 for omega-3 supplemented gilts than for controls. Triglycerides and IGF-1 serum levels were lower at D45 than at D0 for control gilts, but unaltered for supplemented gilts. Insulin levels were unaffected by supplementation, but were greater at D45 than at D0 in both treatments. Immunolabeling for leptin and ObRb in oocytes included in preantral follicles was more intense for supplemented gilts than for control gilts. Omega-3 supplementation for 45 d on prepubertal gilts presented more intense immunostaining for both leptin and its receptor in oocytes included in preantral follicles and decreased serum cholesterol levels, although body weight, backfat and serum levels of triglycerides, insulin and IGF-1 were unaltered.
These findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation may be useful to stimulate puberty onset on gilts, which is yet to be determined.
Moreira, F., Cheuiche, Z. M. G., Rizzoto, G., Santos, M. Q., Schuch, M. S., Flach, M. J., Gasperin, B.G., Bianchi, I., Lucia, T. (2016). Metabolic and reproductive parameters in prepubertal gilts after omega-3 supplementation in the diet. Animal reproduction science, 170, 178-183. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.05.008