Endocrine regulation of gut maturation in early life in pigs

Following birth the newborn must adapt to the acute challenges of circulatory changes, active respiration, thermoregulation, microbial colonization, and enteral nutrition. Whereas these processes normally occur without clinical complications in neonates born at term, birth at a preterm state of gestation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In commercial pig production, perinatal mortality is higher than in any other mammalian species. Asphyxia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, sepsis and gut dysmotility, represent some of the most common findings.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research