ENERGY PARTITIONING AND LIPID DEPOSITION IN PIGS FED WITH ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS IN THE PRECISION FEEDING SYSTEM

• Grant number: 25/01243-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Nutrition and Feeding
• Principal Investigator: Luciano Hauschild
• Grantee: Lorena Duarte Campos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of the project is to investigate the variability in energy utilization efficiency among pigs of the same body weight and genetics, reared under similar conditions, with a focus on factors that influence energy expenditure and lipid deposition. It also aims to develop a precision feeding model that integrates estimates of energy utilization to optimize nutrient balance and maximize lean mass gain, and to evaluate the feasibility of partially replacing conventional ingredients, such as corn and soybean, with alternative ingredients to maintain animal performance and reduce the environmental impact of production. Prior to the in vivo phase, a systematic review and/or meta-analysis will be conducted to model and adjust the precision feeding model, including estimation of energy expenditure for individuals. The calibrated model will then be validated by conducting two experiments. 60 castrated male pigs will be used for an 84-day experimental period divided into four 21-day phases and divided into 4 treatments: Diet A, formulated with conventional ingredients (corn and soybean) without inclusion of the alternative ingredient, and Diet B, formulated 1) with conventional ingredients (corn and soybean); 2) with inclusion of the alternative ingredient but without correction of the net energy (NE) of the diet; and 3) similar to Diet 2 (B2) but providing the same amount of NE as the first diet (B1). Individual automatic feeders will be used to provide the diets. In Experiment 1, animals will be weighed at the beginning (D0) and end of each phase (D21, D43, D65, and D87) to assess performance variables and scanned to evaluate body composition. Physical activity will be monitored using an RFID system. In experiment 2, on D34, 24 animals will be catheterized to assess their blood profile, then the animals will receive an intravenous injection of U-13C glucose to estimate the rate of fatty acid synthesis, and two adipose tissue biopsies will be taken to determine the natural abundance of 13C glucose. Blood samples for glucose isotope enrichment analysis will be collected at -10, -5, and 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240 min after injection. The animals will then be slaughtered and biological tissue samples will be collected for analysis of gene expression and amino acid concentration. This project will improve the automation of feeding systems and reduce environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient production system.