Endocrine profiles and kidney function markers of apparently healthy pregnant and lactating Duroc sows

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of reproductive activities (pregnancy and lactation) on certain serum endocrine profiles and kidney function markers of Duroc sows. Thirty (30) sexually matured cycling apparently healthy Duroc sows and eight (8) Duroc boars (38 pigs), of mean weight 55.36±0.48 kg, aged between13and 15 months were used for this study. The sows (30) were randomly assigned to five groups (A to E) of six sows per group in a completely randomized design (CRD). Group A: Nonpregnant (control), Group B: Early gestation (38 days), Group C: Mid gestation (78 days), Group D: Late gestation (110 days) and Group E: Post gestation (7 days postpartum). The mean serum progesterone (P4) concentration of group D sows was significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared to group E. The mean serum thyroxine (T4) concentration of group D sows (3rd trimester) was significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared to groups C and E. The mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration of the treated group (C) was significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to group B. The mean creatinine concentration of group D was significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to groups E, B and the control. The mean BUN/CRT ratio of group B sows was significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to groups C, D, E and the control. There were, however, no significant variations (p>0.05) in the mean oestradiol (E2), cortisol (C), creatinine (CRT) concentrations and BUN/CRT ratio among all the groups. In conclusion, the serum endocrine and kidney function markers of Duroc sows in this study were significantly influenced by gestation. This study has established reference values of the endocrine profiles and kidney function markers of Duroc sows during gestation that are consistent with normal health.