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Relationship of Plasma Lipid Concentrations to Fat Deposition in Pigs

U.S. Department of Agriculture^,2,3,, Clay Center, NE 68933

Abstract

The time course for changes in plasma free fatty acid and triglyceride concentration after removal of feed was established. Genetically obese and lean lines of pigs, two types of crossbred female pigs and a group of male pigs were used to establish the relationship between circulating free fatty acid or triglyceride concentrations and adiposity. Pigs were weighed, ultrasonically probed for backfat thickness, bled in a fed state and again in the fasted state. Plasma was analyzed for free fatty acid and triglyceride concentration. Fasting increased plasma free fatty acid, but only slightly increased triglyceride concentrations. There were several significant correlations between backfat thickness and plasma lipid concentrations; however, the low magnitude and inconsistency of these correlations precludes use of plasma lipid concentrations as indicators of adiposity in swine. Fasted obese pigs had lower plasma fatty acid concentrations than lean pigs at 2, 4 and 6 mo of age. If these plasma levels represent in vivo mobilization of fat, the results probably contrast with previously reported in vitro results wherein adipose tissue from obese pigs had lipolytic rates expressed on a cellular basis that were equal to or greater than those form lean pigs.

¹ Appreciation is expressed to P. A. Nejezchleb and D. L. Ochsner for execution of these experiments and to J. A. Dague and S. E. Prager for the cannulations. We would like to thank J. A. Dague for obtaining the ultrasound data, J. K. Byrkit and M. A. Stones for secretarial assistance and Dr. R. N. Lindvall and associates, especially J. E. MacReynolds, J. A. Dague, D. A. Kosters, L. M. Lansford and S. E. Prager for obtaining blood samples and for animal care. We would like to express appreciation to Drs. K. A. Leymaster and L. D. Young for access to the boars and the large groups of crossbred female pigs.

² Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.

³ Mention of a trade name, proprietary product or vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA and does not imply its approval of the exclusion of other products or vendors that may be suitable.