The pig as a biomedical model to study human protein calorie malnutrition

Two experiments were undertaken to evaluate the baby pig as a biomedical model with which to study Protein-Calorie malnutrition. In the first experiment, 32Yorkshire and Yorkshire X Landrace pigs weaned at 21 days were fed either an 18% or 4% protein ration. Blood samples were taken biweekly from the anterior vena cava and the serum samples analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, glucose, cholesterol, lactic dehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, amylase, a 1ka1ine phosphatase, total protein, albumin and blood urea nitrogen. Significant (p ≤.01) treatment effects were observed for total protein, albumin, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus. In the second experiment, 40 Yorkshire and Yorkshire X Landrace pigs weaned at 28 days were fed rations containing 18%, 10%, 8%, 6%, and 4% protein. Blood samples were again taken biweekly and serum samples were analyzed for the same parameters as in trial one. In addition, serum copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc were measured. The livers of any animals which died on the low protein diets, were fat extracted, and the level of fat compared to that obtained from livers of animals killed as suckling pigs at a slaughter plant. Total body water was determined on three animals on the 18% ration and three on the h% ration utilizing tritiated water as a tracer. Total protein, albumin, amylase, lactic dehydrogenase, calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron and magnesium correlated well with dietary protein intake. Significant treatment effects were observed for total body water and fat content of the liver. An attempt was made to find a biochemical parameter which might be used in diagnosing developing protein calorie malnutrition. The results of the study would indicate that serum phosphate and amylase are the most sensitive parameters to dietary protein intake. Not every lesion or biochemical serum change occurring in man was reproduced in the present study. Nevertheless, characteristic symptoms such as the development of fatty liver, growth retardation, abnormal hair texture, hypoalbuminemia, and apathy were reproduced in the protein deficient swine. The baby pig would therefore appear to be a good model for the study of protein-calorie malnutrition.Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofGraduat