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Effects of Age and Diet on the Development of the Pancreas and the Synthesis and Secretion of Pancreatic Enzymes in the Young Pig¹

Texas Tech University³, Lubbock 79409

Abstract

Effects of age and diet composition on amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in the pancreas and intestinal contents, pancreas weights and body weights were determined from birth to 56 d. A total of 120 pigs, five to seven pigs/litter from 18 litters, were slaughtered at birth, 14, 27, 29, 31, 42 and 56 d. Litters were allotted to dietary treatments (corn-soy, A; corn-soy + 20% dried whey, B; corn-soy + 5% lard, C) and offered these diets as creep feed at 14 d. All pigs were weaned at 28 d, placed in elevated nursery pens and fed their respective diets. Total activities of amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin in the pancreas and small intestine increased (P<.05) with age. Both trypsin and amylase activities, measured per kilogram body weight or gram pancreas weight, were low at 29 d in the intestine and increased to 56 d. Pigs on diet B had the highest level of trypsin and chymotrypsin in the intestinal contents (P<.05). Trypsin activity in the pancreas (units/kg body weight) was lowest (P<.05) for pigs on diet B and highest (P<.05) for those on diet C (units/g pancreas and units/kg body weight). Amylase activity (units/kg body weight) was lower (P<.05) in the pancreas for pigs on diet B than for those on diets A and C. Pigs on diet A had lower (P<.01) intestinal amylase activities than those on diets B and C. Enzyme activities in the intestinal contents and pancreas were low folio wing weaning. In the pancreas, activities decreased at 31 d. We conclude from this study that, while the pig has the enzyme capabilities to digest a typical starter diet, either the lack of substrates in the intestine or some yet unidentified problem inhibits the release of trypsin, amylase and chymotrypsin from the pancreas.

¹ Approved by the Deal Sci., Pub. No. T-5-188.

² Present Address: Ext. of Georgia, Athens.

³ Anim. Sci. Dept. of the College of Agr. Anim. Sci. Dept., Univ.

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