Fluctuations of plasma concentrations in urea, cholesterol and triglyceride in healthy piglets during the first four weeks of life

The present study was designed to investigate fluctuations of plasma concen trations in urea, cholesterol and triglyceride in healthy piglets (Landrace x Pietrain) during the first four weeks of life. Blood samples were taken by venipuncture in 240 piglets thirty minutes after birth, after 6, 24, 48, 168, 336, 504 and 672 hours. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations e xhibited minimum Values after delivery and rose up to the 48(th) hour of li fe, what can be explained by colostrum intake. Although an increase of urea after birth was determined, but some of the following measured concentrati ons were under the initial value. The three parameters showed a significant dependency on the age (p < 0.001). After 6 hours there was a correlation o f cholesterol concentration and sex (p = 0.001) and triglyceride concentrat ions have been correlated to body temperature after 24 and 48 hours (p = 0. 009; p = 0.004). Before colostrum intake urea concentration has been associ ated to body temperature (0.001). The physiological significance of the obs erved fluctuations for adaptation from an intrauterine to an extrauterine l ire is discussed.