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Serum Folates during the Reproductive Cycle of Sows^{1 ,2,}

Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4

Abstract

In a first trial, serum folates concentration was measured in 105 sows randomly distributed into seven groups of 15 animals each. Each group represented one time period of the reproductive cycle: weaning, mating, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 110 d of gestation. The average serum folates concentrations for the different groups of sows were, expressed as ng/ml ± SE, ± 99.5 ± 8.9, 68.5 ± 9.6, 63.9 ± 7.4, 59.5 ± 5.7, 39.6 ± 5.7, 45.3 ± 5.8 and 49.1 ± 6.3, respectively. Results showed a biphasic decrease in serum folates levels, first at mating and then at 60 d of gestation. These results indicate a possible deficiency in serum folates during mid-gestation. In a second trial, 20 sows were assigned randomly to four groups of five animals each, representing four time periods of the reproductive cycle: weaning, mating, 30 and 60 d of gestation. One intramuscular injection of 15 mg folic acid was administered to all sows and serum folates concentration was measured before the injection and at 2-d intervals during a period of 14 d after the injection. An increase in serum folates was noted in sows of all groups. The time response curves observed after the injection are presented and discussed. The decrease in folates levels observed during early and mid-gestation could be moderated by im administration of this vitamin.

¹ This research was made possible through contract No. OSZ81-00125, Canada Department of Agriculture.

² The authors wish to acknowledge the collaboration and assistance of P. Gagnon, G. Roy and R. Veilleux of La Ferme Olympique Enr., St-Pierre de Broughton, Qué.

³ Under education leave from the Canadian Government, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Station, Lennoxville, Québec.

⁴ Département de zootechnie and Centre de recherche en nutrition, Université Laval, Québec G1K 7P4.

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