METABOLIC CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NUTRIENT INTAKE AND LACTATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE SOW

Improvement in the efficiency of milk synthesis in the sow can be acco mplished only with a thorough understanding of the metabolic mechanism s relating nutrient intake to lactational performance. We have begun t o describe these connections systematically and quantitatively through mathematical modelling. Our model is an integration of our present kn owledge base with concepts of lactating sow metabolism. It is limited by serious inadequacy of present information, but it has guided us to ask kev questions which can be investigated by animal experimentation. We are presently studying the metabolism of lipids in adipose tissue, and the impacts of lysine and amino acid intake on metabolic state an d lactational performance, to elucidate aspects of the connection betw een nutrient intake and lactational performance. The pressing need for more information at several levels of biological organization is desc ribed. Collaboration among scientists across disciplines can increase the productivity and efficiency of both scientific and practical endea vours. It is imperative that publication of research results include t horough descriptions of animals, diets and environments to allow bette r interpretation and use of results.