Sorbic acid improves growth performance and regulates insulin-like growth factor system gene expression in swine.

Author(s): Luo ZF, Fang XL, Shu G, Wang SB, Zhu XT, Gao P, Chen LL, Chen CY, Xi QY, Zhang YL, Jiang QY

Affiliation(s): College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China 510640.

Publication date & source: 2011-08, J Anim Sci., 89(8):2356-64. Epub 2011 Mar 18.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Sorbic acid (SA) is a PUFA with a conjugated double bond. The conjugated fatty acids, including CLA, are multifunctional bioactive fatty acids with the ability to improve growth performance. The effect of SA on pig growth performance was examined to determine its mechanism of action. The ADG, ADFI, and serum IGF-I concentration were examined, as were IGF-I secretion and IGF system gene expression in hepatocytes. Two hundred forty 21-d-old Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire weaned piglets (6.86 +/- 0.02 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 3 pens of 20 piglets (10 female and 10 male). The 4 groups of piglets were kept in a temperature-controlled room (26 to 28 degrees C), and feed and water were provided to the pigs ad libitum. Weanling piglets were fed diets that included 0, 0.5, 2, or 4 g of SA/kg for 42 d. The diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of SA improved (P < 0.05) ADG, BW, and G:F, whereas supplementation with all 3 SA doses increased (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F at 21 to 42 d of age. The greatest concentration of plasma triglycerides was observed (P < 0.05) in the 4 g/kg of SA group. The SA increased (0.5 g of SA/kg, P > 0.05; 1 g of SA/kg, P < 0.05; and 2 g of SA/kg, P < 0.05, respectively) plasma total serum protein and globulin concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. It was noted that the smallest SA treatment dose (0.5 g/kg) dramatically increased (P < 0.05) serum IGF-I concentration but decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of blood urea N and cortisol. The SA increased (P < 0.05) IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), and PPARalpha gene mRNA expression and IGF-I secretion, but not (P > 0.05) IGFBP or PPARgamma mRNA expression, in pig primary hepatocytes. These results indicate that SA improves growth performance by regulating IGF system gene expression and hormone secretion. (c) 2011 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.