Effect of Feeding-Fasting Interval on Finishing Pigs: Blood Urea and Serum Lipid, Cholesterol and Protein Concentrations

Abstract

A SYSTEM of restricted feeding in which feed is entirely withheld for intervals of 24, 48 or 72 hr. following a 24-hr. period of ad libitum feeding in continuous sequence throughout the finishing period depresses weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization in direct relation to duration of the fasting period and has marked associated effects on carcass measurements, gland and organ weights and a small effect on fatty acid composition of the back fat (Veum et al., 1970). Cohn (1963) and Leveille and Hanson (1965, 1966) have shown marked changes in metabolism of nutrients and in body composition associated with frequency of meal intake in laboratory animals. The work reported herein was included as a part of the experiment of Veum et al. (1970). The purpose was to determine the effects of feeding-fasting interval of finishing pigs on several blood parameters in terms of postprandial and long-term changes in concentrations associated with feeding sequence. Copyright © 1970. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1970 by American Society of Animal Science